Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 16: The intensity of the summer heat has been worrying the people at the very beginning of summer month. The summer usually begins in February and, in March, usually, the heat is bearable. The summer peaks during April and May. This time however, the summer has set in with renewed vigour very early and the people have been complaining about it.

The meteorological department says that the summer this time will be of less intensity as compared to normal days. Official of the department, Dr S M Gavaskar, said that there is no risk of heat waves but advised people to take action depending on the summer heat. He said this time, as per indication, it will be a normal summer.

Sometimes, in the early hours, dew is visible on the coast. Last week, it had rained as well. But as the sun rises over the sky, the temperature begins to soar. The current minimum and maximum temperature in the city stands at 25 and 33 degree Celsius. This is expected to rise to 26 and 34. In many places on the coast, even when the sky is overcast, humidity is high and therefore heat and sweating are experienced.

Because of coronavirus, schools had been closed for over one and half years, and preparations for examinations are on now. The students are finding it hard to study because of the heat. Some private institutions have already conducted examinations, published the results, and started the next academic year. So the students have to attend classes, bearing the summer heat. People doing work under the sun like centering workers, coolies, construction workers etc reel under the heat. Even the animals seek shelter. Water sources are drying up and experts are apprehensive about the possibility of drinking water shortage in the coming days.

Environmentalist, Dinesh Holla, says that forest fires which usually are witnessed during the month of May in Charmadi Ghat, were sighted this time in February because of immense heat. Because of a landslide two years ago, the green cover of the forest has reduced, water springs have dried up, and stones are visible everywhere because of which the risk of forest fires has become more.

In the city too, because of smart city and other ongoing projects, trees have been cut down, and concrete roads and buildings are contributing to increased temperatures. No alternative arrangement is being made to keep the temperature under check by increasing vegetation. Flower plants are planted instead of plants which can retain water.