Mangaluru: Early winter withdrawal raises fears of long, hot summer

Extreme weather patterns have started impacting Mangaluru and its coastal surroundings, with concerns arising over the premature disappearance of winter and the potential for an extended summer season.

This shift is attributed to fluctuations in the fall season. According to experts, had there been sufficient rainfall until mid-December, the moisture levels in the soil would have remained higher, prolonging the winter season. However, due to decreased precipitation this year, the cold spell has diminished earlier than usual.

Typically, coastal areas experience maximum temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. However, recent weeks have seen temperatures reaching 32 to 33 degrees Celsius in various coastal locations, including Mangaluru. In rural areas, cold conditions are confined to the mornings. Meteorological Department officials predict that similar temperatures will persist for the next few weeks.

Over recent years, the duration of cold weather in the coastal region has been declining. In 1981, the lowest temperature recorded in the district was 15.6 degrees Celsius, whereas in 2018, it was 19 degrees Celsius.

In response to these climate shifts, the Department of Health has initiated awareness campaigns on disaster management and climate change under the National Program on Climate Control and Human Health. Primary healthcare centers have been duly instructed on precautionary measures, District Health Officer, Dr. Thimmaiah told Udayavani.

It may be recalled that in early March last year, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning about the heat wave conditions air affecting coastal areas of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Temperatures soared above 36 degrees Celsius. Normally, moist winds from the Arabian Sea side should blow by March. However, hot dry winds from the direction of the Bay of Bengal caused the temperature to rise.

This year too, the weather seems to be following a similar pattern. The maximum temperature is expected to rise in the upcoming days.

Translated from a Kannada article by Naveen Bhat Ilanthila