IT'S SOOO HOT! CITY MAY GO FOR RECORD

IT'S SOOO HOT! CITY MAY GO FOR RECORD
Meteorologist predicts that maximum temperature in Bangalore may breach 39-degree mark this year
DEEPTHI M R


The effects of the unrelenting attack on Bangalore’s green cover is beginning to show. The temperature in the metropolis, once known as the ‘air conditioner city of India’, has been rising with every passing year, prompting meteorologists to predict that 2010 may see the mercury touch 39 degree Celsius, which would be a record in Bangalore's weather history.
The drizzles that the city received earlier this year, instead of cooling it, are believed to be one of the reasons for the temperature shooting up. Meteorologists say the 39 degree mark may be breached within the next two months.
"Since there has been no sign of rain, even humidity in the air is lower this year. This only adds to the heat, making it dry heat,” said Puttanna, in-charge director of the local meteorological department. “As early as February, the maximum temperature was hovering around 32 to 35 degree Celsius. It is normal for the temperature to rise further at this time of the year, reaching its peak in the first week of May.”
EVEN RAIN WON'T SAVE CITY
Bangalore's only hope is an early monsoon. Sadly, Puttanna offers no hope on this front. Officially, the monsoon begins on May 21. But, this year the city might have to put up with the heat for a bit longer. “We have not observed any low pressure systems forming in the Bay of Bengal or Indian Ocean, which in lay terms means that we cannot expect heavy rains till May-end,” he said.