Mysuru: Months ahead of arrival of summer, Mysuru residents are feeling the heat as the city experiences an unusual rise in temperatures and a prolonged dry spell.On Sunday, Mysuru recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2°C, nearly 5°C above the normal Sept temperature of 29.4°C. The reading is among the highest recorded in the city during Sept in recent years. The previous instance of 34.2°C was recorded on Sept 15, 2018. Earlier, on Sept 5 this year, the city recorded 34°C, making it the second-warmest day of the month.According to G Srinivasa Reddy, former director of Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the sharp rise in maximum temperatures could signal the beginning of an intense phase of El Niño-related weather conditions. He warned that Karnataka could experience a prolonged dry spell extending until the last week of Sept.On Monday, the temperature eased slightly to around 32°C, with cloudy conditions offering some respite.However, residents said the unusual heat was already becoming difficult to endure. “It is impossible to stay indoors without an AC or cooler. Mysuru generally experiences moderate weather during Sept and Oct, with occasional spells of rain. But this year, the heat has been extremely uncomfortable,” said Sharada Timmaiah, a retired academician from Bogadi.The rainfall deficit has further triggered concerns. Between June 1 and Sept 7, Chamarajanagar recorded the highest rainfall deficit in Karnataka at 58% below normal, followed by Mysuru and Vijayanagara, both at 57% below normal.
