E-Paper
Blazing sun makes life miserable
If Mumbaites are learning the techniques to save themselves from the repeat of the previous year's 'monsoon disaster', then here in Allahabad, the citizens are still awaiting to soak themselves in the monsoon showers. The continuous hovering of temperature around 45 degrees Celsius has almost put the normal life out of gear. Curfew-like situation prevails on the streets during noon as nothing seems to bring respite from the scorching heat.
If Mumbaites are learning the techniques to save themselves from the repeat of the previous year's 'monsoon disaster', then here in Allahabad, the citizens are still awaiting to soak themselves in the monsoon showers.
The continuous hovering of temperature around 45 degrees Celsius has almost put the normal life out of gear.
Curfew-like situation prevails on the streets during noon as nothing seems to bring respite from the scorching heat.
A week ago the weather had turned pleasant as some parts of eastern UP received pre-monsoon showers and the cool breeze lashed the city. The people were expecting early arrival of monsoon. But soon their hopes were dashed as the blazing Sun again made their lives miserable.
However, the weather experts have diverse opinion.
"Such weather condition is in no way abnormal," said Prof Shavindra Singh, former head of Allahabad University's Geography Department. "In fact, we should be ready to welcome a good monsoon this year on account of prevailing high temperatures. If there is high temperature in North-West and Gangetic plains, then it causes low pressure which is further intensified. This phenomena forcefully attracts the monsoon winds from Bay of Bengal and thus the present weather condition is a sure sign of heavy showers this year," he added.
"People are also confused over the weather changes experienced in 'Ashadh' month of the Hindu calendar. Though it is generally known to be the month of the onset of rains, but high temperature is making life a hell this year. It should be remembered that weather depends on several factors and not the month alone," he said.
However, Prof Singh stated that snowfall recorded in few areas is not a good sign as this will raise the pressure.
"Such high temperature will continue till June 15 and by June 17 or 18, the Allahabadis will get the monsoon showers," he claimed.
Likewise Dr SS Ojha from AU's Geography Department too confirmed the weather conditions to beckon positive results.
"Actually, the pre-monsoon conditions experienced earlier was too strong and we took it to be the real monsoon but now the monsoon will arrive here by June 18," he said.
"Monsoon will be normal and there are surely no signs of drought-like situation as predicted by some experts.
However, there will be monsoon gaps of 8 to 10 days," said Dr Ojha.
