It’s a sweltering monsoon in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: The soaring temperatures in the city during monsoons has reminded Vijayawada citizens of the hot summer days. The heat in the past one week has prevented them from coming out even in the early hours or during the late evenings.

On an average, the temperature has gone up by 0.50 C every day.

Motorists and commuters, who had to brave a temperature of 36.60 C on Wednesday, covered their faces to protect themselves from the heat.

Rising temperatures and scanty rainfall this monsoon has forced people to stay indoors after 11 am. All this has triggered speculations on global warming having its effect on the city.

According to environmental experts, maximum temperature in monsoons should not exceed 320 C

Experts pegged lack of greenery in the city and global warming as prime reasons for these unusual climatic conditions prevailing in the city.

Calling upon people to fight environmental degradation, experts directed them to plant trees and reduce air pollution to cool down the atmosphere.

“It seems tough to come out after 11 am in the morning,” said a woman, whose face was covered with a scarf meant to protect her from the soaring heat.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Vijayawada Municipal commissioner G. Veerapandian said that the development of green belt across the city is on cards and will be started after getting a final conclusion on tenders and funds from state government.

The whole scenario takes a scarier turn in view of capital city coming up in a close proximity. Capital construction will see more of the concrete structures.