Are you wet with sweat? Blame the rising humidity

Dr Rajeshwari Devi H R, district surgeon and superintendent of the Government Wenlock Hospital, sat in her seat in her air-conditioned chamber and mopped the sweat beads off her forehead.

She had just returned after inspecting the ongoing construction of a building on the hospital premises. Fanning herself with a handkerchief, she could not help pity the construction workers busy in the sweltering heat.

It was not just about the construction workers – those walking in the scorching heat too were in acute discomfort, getting drenched in sweat within a few minutes of stepping out into the sun.

‘Discussions’

The unbearable heat seems to be a common topic of discussion among strangers and senior citizens who gather at parks after dusk.

According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) local weather report, the maximum temperature recorded in Mangaluru on April 8 was 35.3 C, while on April 7 it had been 35.1 C. The minimum temperature recorded on the other hand had been 26.1 C.

Also, according to the report, however, there has been a departure of 2 degree Centigrade from the normal maximum temperature, and 1 degree Centigrade from the minimum temperature.

The sweltering heat witnessed in the past one week is being attributed to high humidity level. On Monday, the humidity was around 78% and between 77 and 82% in the hinterland.

Difficult combination

A scientist at IMD said that humidity level causes acute discomfort. “For instance, a temperature of 35 degree C, if combined with a relative humidity of 75%, will seem like 45 degree C. With the westerly wind bringing in more humidity, the discomfort level only rises,” the scientist explained.

The lowest level of humidity recorded in the city on Tuesday was 55% at 5.30 pm.

“The discomfort level experienced by residents in hinterland like Sullia, Subrahmanya and Belthangady his much higher when compared to the people living in Mangaluru. In villages, the ground radiation adds to the discomfort and there are no westerly winds to provide relief in the hinterland,” the scientist added.

Experts urged residents to consume plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration that may also lead people to turn unconscious.