Heat waves aren’t new to Raipur and its surrounding regions during summer time. However, this time round, people had been sweating it out even before the May — the peak summer time when the mercury climbs to extreme discomforting levels.
During the past two to three days, the temperature had gradually been climbing in Raipur and surrounding regions with the mercury rising from 42 degrees Celsius to 42.6 degrees Celsius on Friday an indication of a harsher month ahead.
The streets in Raipur are already getting empty during noon time and the people out to commute were seen taking all care to protect themselves from the deadly heat waves.
Meteorologists predict the temperature would gradually touch the 45 to 46 degrees this summer.
The mild change in the weather earlier with a spell of rainfall ended with a wave of heat blowing across Raipur and surrounding areas. Moreover, there is a gradual rise in the night temperature leading to blackouts in parts of the city with the usual hassle of power supply failures during the summer season.
The usual rush of people affected by sun stroke is seen in the hospitals and clinics while water shortage problems are back with even some ponds, wells and bore wells drying up.
As per the weather data for the past five years the maximum temperature during the Month of April 2007 was 43.3 degrees celcius , 2008 (40.5), 2009 (45), 2010 (44.2), 2011 (40.0) and 2012 ( 41.1).
According to officials of the Meteorological department, the current level of temperature varies between 42 and 43 degrees celcius which is almost normal in Raipur. However, meteorologists predict the temperature could rise by two to three degrees during the next couple of days.
They stated that the temperature in Raipur is comparatively higher during summer compared to Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Raigarh and Ambikapur which is currently hovering around 40 degrees celcius.