The winter that won't go away

The freezing weather is palpable even in the coastal districts that witness mild winters.
Chitradurga on Thursday recorded the lowest minimum temperature for January in the last 118 years - 9.4 degree Celsius. Mysore recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 8.8 degree Celsius for January in the last 117 years.

The temperatures which had dipped appreciably over the third and fourth weeks of December, mainly in the north Karnataka plains, had risen in the last week of last year, but have plummeted again over the past few days. The Met Department had cautioned a few days ago about a second coming of the cold wave that currently has the State in its grip.

Although days are sunny over most of the State, early mornings and nights are witnessing significantly low temperatures. Even during the day, the chilly breeze has forced people across the State to pine for the sun.

Northern Karnataka

The region has borne the brunt of the cold weather. Bijapur and surrounding areas are the most affected in North Karnataka, with the minimum temperature being recorded between 4.5 degree Celsius and 8.5 degree Celsius, in the last three days. Senior citizens say that the current winter is the coldest in their memory. Districts like Koppal, Gadag, Bagalkot and Haveri are also experiencing severe cold wave conditions.

After a brief respite, winter seems to have returned with a vengeance in Belgaum district in the past one week.

The minimum temperature has gone down to nine degree Celsius, the lowest in recent years.  Winter-related ailments are a common complaint, with children and the aged suffering the most. Hospital admissions have registered a 25 percent increase over the past week.

The situation is not too different in Hubli-Dharwad. The twin cities recorded a minimum temperature of nine degree Celsius in the past few days.

Malnad region

The region is experiencing chill even at noon. The minimum temperature in Kodagu and Chikmagalur touched 8 degree Celsius on Wednesday and was around 9 degree Celsius over the past few days, forcing people to stay indoors.

In Shimoga District, winter began a little late than usual, but is more severe. While some preferred to wrap themselves up in blankets and stay indoors, others enjoyed nature’s beauty, which is at its best during this season.

On Thursday, Shimoga recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degree Celsius. Agumbe, Hosanagar, Hulikal and other places recorded seven degree Celsius, which meteorological officials say is the lowest this year.

Other places like Sagar, Tirthahalli, Sorab, Shikaripur and Bhadravathi too recorded the season’s lowest temperatures.

There has been substantial dip in temperatures in the last three days. There is mist till 8 am. It’s a common sight these days in the district of people huddled in groups around bonfires on roadsides. Those who can afford it, are warming themselves up with the spirits.