Bengaluru: The city is wilting under a hot sun this February which has been the hottest in a decade.
"This month has been the hottest in the past decade not only in Bengaluru but all over the state. Just two days ago the city recorded a temperature of 35.5 degrees which is only marginally lesser than the highest temperature recorded this month on February 17, 2005,” says Dr Geeta Agnihotri, director of the Indian Meteorological Department, Bengaluru.
Dr Puttana, former director of the Met department, explains the temperature is rising because the skies are clear with no clouds to diffuse or block the sun's rays.
The weather department also reveals that five stations across the state have recorded very high temperatures. "Five observatories have recorded their highest ever temperatures. Gulbarga recorded 40.3 degree Celsius , which is some five degrees above normal. Koppal, Bagalkot, Chitradurga and Belgaum too have recorded high temperatures unusual for this time of the year,"says Dr Agnihotri, however pointing out that soaring temperatures have been recorded all over the country. “The situation is similar across the country . There are many factors responsible,” she adds.
Spurt in gastro cases, sunburns
The sudden rise in temperature could make people ill in the city, warn doctors. "Children are suffering from heat rashes and we could see more water-borne diseases like, gastroenteritis, cholera and typhoid among people in this weather," says Dr SM Prasad, professor of paediatrics at Ambedkar Medical College.
Doctors also warn that people could come down with hepatitis A and E, and leptospirosis as well in such weather. "People should take precautions when it comes to food and fruit. Also, because of the frequent power cuts, boiled rice and dairy products should be consumed in a few hours ,"adds Dr Prasad.
He advises Bengalureans to avoid uncooked food and cut fruits sold by vendors. “They should make sure they drink filtered water in hotels and restaurants. It's also advisable to take vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A,” he says.
“Taking proper precautions can help you beat the heat, manage your diabetes better and enjoy this summer to the fullest," agrees Ms Tara Murali, Chief Nutritionist, Diabetacare.
