Temperatures 3 degrees higher in Bangalore

Temperatures 3 degrees higher in Bangalore



Express News Service First Published : 27 Feb 2009 04:06:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 27 Feb 2009 10:09:34 AM IST
BANGALORE: Bangaloreans can expect hotter days ahead, with mercury levels showing an upward trend and leaving citizens of the ‘Garden City,’ longing for that cool breeze.
Weather officials say, “It is going to rise further and break the past record. It is abnormal.” The city which had a normal temperature of 31 degrees, is currently experiencing a two-degree rise. But if the trend continues, weather officials say, the rise as compared to previous years could be up to four degrees.
“Studies in microclimatology show that in cities there are temperature variations of up to almost three and four degrees, due to urbanisation and reduction in vegetation and natural tree cover.
Everywhere you will notice that urban concrete absorbs radiation and then radiates that heat leading to increased temperatures,” said director of meteorological department, A Muthuchami.
Professor Raje Gowda, of agri-met department, said, “There was inadequate North-East monsoon rainfall last year. This has led to lack of moisture, pushing the temperature up.” He said, “There could be an early rainfall in March, as against usual summer showers in April and May. “Severe summer affects the rabi crops adversely. The same could force early maturity in mango crops,” Gowda added.