With the temperature rising steadily, people have started thronging tender coconut sellers, juice shops and have been purchasing watermelon and cucumber to quench their thirst.
The mercury level in Chikkamagaluru has already touched 34 degree celsius. Normally, the temperature would be between 29 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius in the month of February.
The demand for tender coconuts and watermelons has increased drastically with the rise in the temperature.
“The moisture content in the soil has declined and the land is dry. The severity of heat has increased in coastal, Malnad and plateau regions. It will benefit if the region experiences rainfall. The temperature might increase in the days to come,” Meteorological Department scientist C S Patil told DH.
In order to keep cool, people in Chikkamagaluru have started using umbrellas, ACs and fans.
Yashaswini from Kolar said, “The intensity of heat has increased in Malnad. We felt a slight decline in temperature at Mullayyanagiri and Bababudangiri. The temperature is not conducive.
There has been an increase in demand for tender coconuts, watermelons and cucumbers. Tender coconut fetches Rs 30, watermelon fetches Rs 20 per kg, while a cucumber costs Rs 10.
A seller, Afroz, said that there is a great demand for watermelons.
Another seller from Allampura, Siddaiah, said, “There is high demand for tender coconuts and cucumbers. At least 100 tender coconuts are sold in a day. The tourists who visit the hilly ranges are my customers.”