summer in Trichy too hot early in 2013

Home | More Sections | Scorecard | Most Read | Videos | mPaper | Apps


Trichy turns into a hotspot early

Apr 10, 2013, 05.09AM IST TNN[ R Gokul ]



TRICHY: The heat wave is very much on in Trichy with sizzling temperatures that rise by the day making people sweat it out in homes, shops and on roads. There was a marked rise in overall temperature from April 1 here, though it slightly dipped in the next few days, but only to rise soon. Normally, such high temperature is registered during May and as is well known, the hottest phase in summer (Agni Natchatram) falls without fail in May every year. But this year, the temperature has peaked in April itself, bringing with it the usual heat-related diseases.

According to Indian Meteorological Department, Chennai, temperature in Trichy has increased in the past few days. Trichy recorded 38.9 C on March 31, 40.6 C on April 1, 39.5 C on April 2 and 37.9 on April 3 and 40 C on April 4. The temperature increased by 3 C on average in the past one week.

In 2012, Trichy registered 103.28 F 39.6 Celsius) on the first day of Agni Natchatram on May 4.

However, Met officials have played down the early onset of the hottest phase in the city. "There is no significant increase in the temperature now. Since Trichy is away from the sea, the hot temperature is felt. Moreover, the loss of trees due to urbanisation is also causing high temperature," S R Ramanan, director of IMD, Chennai, said.

Though, people are not unfamiliar with stifling heat, the early onset of intense hot conditions is bothering the locals. The worst-hit under the scorching April sun are students on way to annual examinations and two-wheeler riders. With soaring mercury levels, the number of patients afflicted with chicken pox and skin related diseases is on the rise in Trichy. A senior doctor at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH), Trichy, confirmed that there is a spurt in chicken pox cases. In the past few days, they treated nearly 10 chicken pox patients daily. As the number is expected to shoot up in the next days, people with signs of fever should meet the physician as fever may be a sign of chicken pox, warned health professionals.

As diarrhoea, prickly heat and Herper Zoster are common during summer, people should increase the intake liquid supplements. Tender coconut water keeps body temperature normal, doctors advised. Likewise, the summer season might be a tough time for those who are roaming the city because they are vulnerable to heat stroke. "Though there are less possibilities for Trichy people to prone to heat stroke because of good movement,

People should wear cotton dress and take adequate fluid to prevent heat stroke," said Dr M A Aleem, chief of neurology department at the MGMGH