The North Karnataka districts, which have been in the grip of a cold wave for a week, have seen temperatures fall to unprecedented levels.
The conditions have come as a boon for shopkeepers and roadside vendors selling sweaters, jackets, gloves and winter wear.
Sweater manufacturers and wholesalers in Shahapur are a happy lot as they see a sudden demand for their goods.
The cold has also forced people to huddle together at tea shops, especially those selling hot bhajjis and tea. Even wine shops and bars are packed since morning.
The number of morning walkers is on the rise in Belgaum as many want to enjoy the fog in the early hours.
Belgaum recorded the week’s lowest temperature of 7.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the second coldest day this year after January 16, when the mercury dropped to 7.2 degrees.
Bijapur recorded the lowest temperature of 9.2 degrees on Monday. Dharwad experienced the lowest temperature of 9.5 degrees on Sunday, when Haveri recorded 9.4 degrees.
In Sirsi, the lowest temperature of 9 degrees was recorded on Monday. Though it was not so low in Gadag, the temperature fell to 11 degrees on Saturday.
According to the Meteorological Department, the depression over the East Central Bay of Bengal which was causing the cold waves has moved westwards and this is expected to affect Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
“This will bring a respite to interior Karnataka which was suffering from severe cold wave conditions leading to temperature falling below 10 degrees in places,” B Puttanna, Director In Charge of the Bangalore Meteorological Station, told Express.
“Moisture incursion will happen as a result of the movement of depression and temperature will increase. Rains are expected in the coming days which will push up the temperature,” Puttanna added.