Feb heat grips Old Mysuru region amidst severe rain deficit

Mysuru: Even before the onset of the sweltering summer, the Old Mysuru region is experiencing unprecedented temperatures.
Madikeri recorded a historic peak maximum temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking its highest-ever temperature in Feb. IMD data indicates that the previous record was 32.1 degrees Celsius, documented on Feb 23, 2016, and in Feb 2005.
On Thursday, temperatures surpassed the 35 degrees Celsius threshold in Mysuru, establishing a record high for the district in Feb. The city, which witnessed thick fog cover on Friday morning, is experiencing hot, dry weather since the start of February.
Kodagu, which is considered the Kashmir of Karnataka, is witnessing high temperatures for the last few days. With the district recording a 97% deficit in rainfall compared to the normal rainfall in Jan and Feb till Friday, the public are feeling the heat of the high temperatures.
Veerendra Kumar KV, scientist (plant protection) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikoppal in Kodagu, explained that last year the district experienced light precipitation in Jan and Feb, which maintained moderate temperatures. "However, this year there is no rainfall. We begin to experience the warmth from 9am itself. Everyone in the district is experiencing the elevated temperature," he stated.
According to Veerendra, only substantial pre-monsoon rainfall can reduce the temperature. "This intense heat is increasing stress among the coffee and black pepper plants. Artificial irrigation may prove insufficient. For proper coffee flower blossoming, rainfall is essential," he elaborated.
On Thursday, Mysuru's temperature exceeded 35 degrees Celsius, reaching 35.2 degrees Celsius. The escalating heat is now compelling residents to remain indoors between 11am and 3pm. The maximum temperature in the district is expected to remain high.
Other districts in the Old Mysuru region are likewise experiencing heightened maximum temperatures. On Thursday, Chikkamagaluru (35.7°C), Hassan (34.3°C), and Shivamogga (35.7°C) also encountered arid conditions.