Andhra Pradesh - Others   

Rajahmundry in for dog days

Staff Reporter

Compared with last year, the city is likely to see hotter climate

SUMMER BLUES: Nepalese students studying in Rajahmundry using umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching heat. - Photo: S. Rambabu

Rajahmundry: With the mercury touching peak levels as early as the first week of April this year, compared with the last two years, the city wears a deserted look between 12 noon and 4 p.m. The maximum temperature has already touched 40 degree Celsius this month.

Last year, some 20 persons died in the district due to sunstroke and the temperature touched 49 degree Celsius in the second week of May. However, the temperatures are high from the second week of April itself this year.

On May 16, 2004, the maximum temperature was only 38 degree Celsius and minimum was 31 degree Celsius. But on April 13, 2005, the temperatures touched 40 degree Celsius with minimum of 26 degree Celsius.

Sudden increase

The farmhouse of Central Tobacco Research Institute, Kalvacharla, which records the temperatures to assist farmers has mentioned that on April 13 the temperature was 37 degree C, but after April 20 the temperatures suddenly shot up. Unexpected rain for three to four days has aggravated the situation and people are unable to bear the temperatures, which touched 40 degree C on April 23 and 24.

ACs in demand

Scientists at CTRI predict that if the same temperatures continue for few more days, the maximum temperature may even cross 50 degree C during mid-May.

As the temperatures are rising by the day, zero per cent finance and some other lucrative offers are tempting the middle classes to buy air-conditioners, rather than coolers or fans. "Last year we have done business of Rs 1 in some 10 days. Last year, air-conditioners were sold in equal measure as coolers. But this year, the season started only with ACs, that too branded ones like O-General, Samsung, Onida, Hyundai and LG," says Srinivas of Lakshmi Agencies, which sells electronic goods.

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