The heat of Bengaluru’s city is incandescent as the annual temperatures exceed normal, and the residents continue to experience increasing disquiet. After more than a few days on the ground, it is significantly hotter than normal city, suggesting summery weather conditions are heading in the right direction.
By Tuesday afternoon the maximum temperature of Bengaluru had reached 35.6°C but higher than the reported 35.4°C during the same period last year. And as little as that difference may seem, meteorologists say a slight increase of 1 or 2 degrees can cause extreme heat stress, especially in an urban area. Some parts of the city are even hotter.
The HAL Area broke a record of 36.8°C, one of the hottest parts of the city. The Kempegowda International Airport also had a temperature of 36.1°C and numbers are up to two to three degrees above the normal average for this time of year.
In addition to getting hot, the city is experiencing stronger hot winds. Days are especially brutal, especially in the afternoon hours, thanks to high temperatures and dry winds combining. Residents have said they are feeling unusually tired and dehydrated from excessive exposure to heat.
The current outlook, said one weather expert, was expected to last for at least one month, but meteorologists contend conditions will continue to be felt for at least another month now. The heat is expected to stay the same but likely become more oppressive; very little rain in the near term.
These persistent increases in temperatures are partly due to less cloud cover and lower winds. Urban factors, such as concrete infrastructure, reduced green coverage and an increase in vehicle emissions, are also sending heat to the city. And all of them contribute to what is called the “urban heat island effect” – in theory, the fact that urban centres are much warmer than their surrounding rural areas.
The residents, authorities said, as well as health professionals, should be careful how they handle the heat. As far as we can, we encourage the use of water and sun avoidance by wearing light, breathable clothing during the daytime hours. Special attention is being given to children, the elderly and certain persons in pre-existing medical conditions.
Conditions of life have already started to take a toll on the rising temperatures too: People are leaning further on cooling systems, drawing on more water, power, etc. With this formula still being adopted, Bengaluru can get ready for the more severe summer months in the next weeks! Overall, the city is in a season of extended heat, and its denizens are preparing for a higher-than-normal season.
