Dog days back in Kovai as temperature soars

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore district yet again witnessed soaring mercury on Monday, as the temperature touched 37 degree Celsius, three degrees above normal making the day scorch and the night sultry.

In recent years, the summer has come early with heat waves right from the March. Since 2009, the temperature has been constantly crossing the 40 degree Celsius in May.

Last year, 34.1 degree Celsius was the maximum temperature recorded in Coimbatore on May 23.

“Due to the tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, the climate in Coimbatore became cool for the last few days. The maximum temperature during the month for the city was 40 degrees Celsius recorded on May 1. From May 2 to May 15 the city witnessed hot temperatures ranging from 37 - 39 degree Celsius range. On May 16 the temperature dipped to 26 degree Celsius due to the sudden rains. Since then, the climate tended towards the normal range, from 30 to 33 degree Celsius.” said Agro climate research centre officials of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore.

“Most of the roads wear a deserted look in the afternoon, as the city temperature is soaring. The heat waves were seen across the city, which affect the regular work of the people,” said G. Nagaendran, Environmental activist of Coimbatore.

“Coimbatore has lost its pride of place for good climate for last 10 years. I can feel the Chennai heat waves in Coimbatore. Nowadays, the climate in Chennai is cooler than that of  Coimbatore. A few years ago, we heard about the climate change through books and Internet. Now, Coimbatorians are witnessing the actual climatic change in the city.” he added.