Bengaluru: Its getting colder!. Meteorologists say that the temperatures in Bengaluru might he even touch 11 degrees C. Currently the cloudy conditions are keeping the mercury up. However, since the last week of November, every day has seen the temperature dropping, sometimes as low as 14 C.
The outskirts of Bengaluru including Kempe Gowda International airport, Bannerghatta, Yelahanka and Hesaraghatta have witnessed temperatures of less than 14C.
Meteorologists at the Regional Centre of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bengaluru said that by the weekend, temperatures are expected to drop even further.
According to data provided by the IMD, reported in the media, Bengaluru witnessed an all-time low of 8 degrees C way back in 1883. Thereafter, though levels have not dropped lower than that, it has touched lows of 11 degrees C to 12 degrees C. This was in 2007. The clear sky conditions, expected in another two days, coupled with winds bringing enough moisture from the coast will only add to the crouching cold according to the IMD.
Dec 23 – Winter solstice
According to the IMD, Bengaluru will witness the Winter Solstice on December 23 and the temperature could even go down to 11C.
Traders make a windfall
If the temperature is down, sales of warm clothes and heaters are up. It’s a windfall for traders.
Khaleel Pasha, a wholesale trader in woolen garments on Ibrahim Saheb Street (off Commercial Street) told a Bangalore daily, “December and January are the best months for us. However, this year it started in mid-November. The first consignment has already been sold both directly and by way of orders through retail traders from various parts of the city. Unlike the regular trend, this time there is enough demand for pullovers with hoods, as it goes well with any garment.”
A manager at leading electronic appliance chain in Jayanagar I Block, said, “Many favour heaters in Bengaluru. But there have been several queries this year. In the last four days about four to five sets of heaters, largely of local companies ranging between Rs1,800 to Rs3,000 have been sold.”
