HUBLI: It rained in the twin cities on Friday evening. Though residents were happy thinking that probably the hot days are over, their joy was short-lived as at daybreak on Saturday, there was ample indication that the hot days are here to stay for some more time.

For the last few days, the maximum temperature in Hubli-Dharwad has been hovering around the 40-degree Celsius mark. Saturday was not much different in spite of the rains on Friday night. Dharwad recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday. And Hubli has been in the same range for about a week.

For the last one week, the residents of the twin cities are experiencing the impact of the heat wave. The roads that always seem to be crowded with vehicles look different as most of the vehicles are off the roads, especially between noon and 4 p.m., thanks to the hot winds. The soaring temperature has forced some of the residents to change their work schedule. Either they move out early in the morning and return before it gets hot, or they will move out in the evening when the temperature decreases.

But it is the floating population which is having trouble. People who come to Hubli for purchases are put to hardships because of the rising mercury level. The Mahatma Gandhi Park housing the glass house has become a favourite destination for them as it is probably only place in Hubli, where they can escape from the sun.

Hot winds coupled with dust have already started having their impact on the general health conditions of the people. Of late, the number of people approaching the doctors for headache and giddiness has increased.

As change from one season to another is also on the cards, it has also brought with it influenza which is quite common during this period, according to doctors.

The twin cities, which are already facing drinking water crisis seems to be heading towards a critical position as even many of the borewells that were drilled of late have not brought sufficient water to the residents.

The only group that seems to be smiling seems to be that of the dealers and distributors of canned mineral water. They are making good business as the orders for mineral water have almost doubled.

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