As temperatures have soared from 32°C to 35°C over the past week, residents are turning to refreshing drinks like fresh coconut water, watermelon, and sugarcane juice to stay cool. With Maha Shivaratri approaching on February 26, the demand for these beverages is intensifying, leading to slight price increases for tender coconuts and fruit juices. For instance, coconut water, which was priced at Rs 30 a month ago, now costs Rs 40, although some vendors are still offering it at lower rates.
The sudden rise in temperature and increasing humidity are contributing factors to the surge in demand. Residents of the twin cities have been grappling with unusually high temperatures since the first week of February. While it is typical for the heat to intensify towards the end of the month, this year, temperatures crossed 30°C early. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, facing various health challenges due to the heat.
Dr. RH Patil, head of the agricultural meteorological department at UAS, Dharwad, explained that the moisture in the air is expected to decrease in the coming days, with temperatures likely rising by one or two degrees each week.
Residents like Armut Dodwad from Sirur Park expressed difficulty in going outside during the afternoon heat, noting that staying hydrated with water, watermelon, and cold drinks has become essential. Coconut vendors, such as Manjunath H, have reported a notable increase in sales, with more customers flocking to buy coconut water in February, ahead of the usual March rush.
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