SEARING HEAT: For the past several days the temperature is above normal in the twin cities and elsewhere in the State. — PHOTO: K.RAMESH BABU

HYDERABAD: It is like living in a coastal district. Temperatures in the twin cities are soaring, not to forget the rising humidity. The rise in temperature has made denizens of the twin cities scurry to the nearest coconut vendor or a cool drink shop to beat the heat.

High humidity along with rising temperatures during weak monsoon seasons is customary in coastal districts. However, since one week, the State capital as well is recording four degrees above normal temperature with the humidity hovering around 80 per cent, which is quite uncharacteristic of the Hyderabad climate.

Normally, Hyderabad is accustomed to spells of `dry heat' with humidity levels pegged below 50 per cent. The temperature during this time of the year should have be 30 degree Celsius, where as it's now hovering around 34 to 35 degrees.

Good days

However, the heat and humidity have meant good days for the tender coconut vendors who seem to be raking in the moolah, something that is usually over for them by May.

"Our business closes in May every year. However, we had to order additional trucks of coconuts to meet the increase in demand because of the high temperature. Each truck contains about 4,000 pieces, which are sold in just three days. Earlier, this used to be around a week," says Hussain Pera, a coconut wholesale merchant in Chatrinaka.

"We were expecting rains till the end of September. However, the heat and humidity have become unbearable. A cool drink like tender coconut goes a long way in regulating body temperature," says Tara Prasad, a regular commuter.

Officials of Hyderabad MET department point out that this trend will continue for two to three days. "During weak monsoon season, rise in humidity is natural. The skies are pretty clear and that's why the heat and humidity are high. Hyderabad being a concrete jungle could sometimes lead to higher radiation which in turn increases the intensity of heat," Director Hyderabad MET M. Satya Kumar says.

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