Bangalore shivers as mercury dips

Although Monday’s temperature was not the lowest in the last five years, it was still much lower than the 19 degrees Celsius recorded last year. (See chart.)

Coupled with the sharp dip in the mercury, an overcast sky and chilly winds brought the pullovers and wind-cheaters out.

Some areas also experienced a hailstorm while others witnessed a steady drizzle.
The Met Department blames the current conditions on the upper air cyclonic system prevailing over the Bay of Bengal triggered by a depression over the Bay near coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

According to Met officials, the chilly conditions will continue for another day or so. Many preferred to stay indoors and postponed their shopping plans. Parents of small kids did not send their wards to school. Attendance in many primary schools was quite low. But most office-goers had no such option and had to brave the inclement weather. The only ones who seemed warming up to the conditions were sweater merchants, most of whom recorded brisk sales.

Ganesh Ram, who runs a woollen garment shop at Chickpet confirmed the sudden rise in demand for woollens.

“People who had put on hold purchasing a sweater probably found Monday a good time to make up their minds. Today’s weather is good for us,” said Ganesh Ram with a smile.
But shivering customers with forlorn expressions did not seem to share his joy.