Dry October leaves Bangalore sweating

BANGALORE: After Yeddyurappa and Namma Metro, the next big talking point in the city has been the rising mercury levels and sultry weather conditions. The depression over the Bay of Bengal seems to have disturbed the flow of wind and has affected the weather conditions. The temperature in city has risen above normal by about 3-4 degree Celsius, says B Puttanna, director, Bangalore Meteorological Centre.“The normal temperature recorded in the city during mid-October has been 27-28 degree Celsius over the years, but this year it has reached 31 degree Celsius according to the meteorological report recorded on Friday morning,” he said.Adding to the residents’ woes is the lack of rainfall. Puttana said, “Rainfall was expected around October 20 and according to records, the city normally receives 161 mm of rainfall during mid-October. But this year, there has been no trace of rain. According to meteorological records, during 2010, Bangalore had already received about 34.9 mm rainfall on October 15.”Providing reasons for the change in climatic conditions in the city, Puttanna said, “This is the period of weather transition, when the South-West monsoon comes to an end, and the wind starts blowing from North-Eastern direction. Generally, this is the season of cyclones, especially over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, but due to depression over these regions, winds are flowing in from the land which are devoid of moisture, thus leading to an increase in temperature.”The rise in temperature is not just around city limits, but the maximum temperature has been above normal across most places in the state, especially over coastal Karnataka.Meanwhile, bringing some good news for Bangaloreans, the Met office has noted that the wind has already started picking up. Puttanna said, “Meteorological conditions are becoming favourable for commencement of  North-East Monsoon rains over south peninsular India, reaching Karnataka in another three-four days. With this, the temperature is also expected to come down to normal levels.”