On Saturday, Vellore (popularly known as Veyilur) recorded 105.4 degree Fahrenheit (40.8 C), something very unusual on the first day of Agninakshathram, the dreaded peak summer period.
A couple of days ago, the city known for its extreme climatic conditions had recorded 108 degree Fahrenheit, throwing many of the bewildered residents indoors until evening.
The effect was horrific that the heat wave continued even after sunset in many parts of the district. What makes this period (up to May 28) distinctly different is the average of direct sun shine, not obscured by cloud remains for 10 hours a day.
Interestingly, last year the heat wave during the agni nakshtram that begins during the first week of May had started with 108 degree Fahrenheit on the first day and touched the highest of around 112 degree Fahrenheit during the course of the month.
In the past 50 years or so, Vellore has recorded the highest of 113 degree Fahrenheit in 1971.
Because of its inland location, Vellore being encircled by rocky hills, the fort and the sandy Palar river, gets severe ‘blow hot and blow cold’ conditions like Delhi during the summer and winter periods.
During other months, the pricking heat conditions can be felt only during mid-day while in May, one could feel it even around 9 am.
While the heat subsides during night hours, in this month the heat conditions remains even up to late nights.
The indication for a severe heat condition during this month was evident from the previous months of March and April when the temperature had crossed the 100 degree Fahrenheit mark many a times.
While the unexpected summer showers did cool the district a bit, the onset of agni nakshatram with 108 degree Fahrenheit is expected to leave the season worst ever.
A fuming hot day with no electricity power could be a deadly combination for commoners while many of the affluent households in the city had power back-up facilities.
They also resorted to have a retreat of air-conditioned rooms.
The free distribution of fans by the state government has come as boon to many of the low-income families at least to take respite during night hours.
The peak period of sale of air-conditioners has already begun as their sale witnessed a sharp rise in the past two months and the trend is set to stay.
Increase in purchasing power and plummeting cost of ACs are cited as reasons for this boom.
“ACs are no longer a luxury and many lower-middle class families have opted to buy them on installment payment,” said a leading dealer of home appliances here, with a smile.
Residents here have found out appropriate ways to keep themselves cool, braving yet another hot season ahead.
Increased sales of fruits, nungu, tender coconuts, koozh, soft drinks, ice creams, milk products and cotton cloths in the city are but an indication of how the parched souls here are trying to tackle the dog days with a natural flavour.