Mysuru Sizzles Even Before Summer: Is This the Hottest February Yet?

Once known for its pleasant, moderate climate, Mysuru is now feeling the heat—literally! Even before the official onset of summer in March, the city has been experiencing unusually high temperatures, leaving residents sweating it out.

Last Sunday, Mysuru recorded a scorching 35 degrees Celsius, the highest for February since 2020. Though there was a slight dip to 33 degrees Celsius on February 24, the mercury had already touched a sweltering 34.9 degrees earlier this month. According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the temperature shot up to 35 degrees within just 24 hours between Sunday and Monday last week, showing no signs of cooling down soon.

Weather experts at the Agro-Meteorological Field Unit (AMFU) of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) at Naganahalli have offered some relief, predicting that Mysuru’s maximum temperature will hover around 33 degrees Celsius till February 28. However, with the failure of the monsoon last year, concerns remain high as people brace for what could be an intense summer.

Coping with the Heatwave

With the sun blazing, Mysureans have turned to age-old summer saviors—tender coconut water, soft drinks, and, of course, ice creams! Afternoon outings have taken a backseat, and umbrellas and water bottles have become constant companions for those who must venture out. The fear of sunburn and heat-related ailments has also made people more cautious, as they prepare for an even hotter March ahead.

Meanwhile, street vendors, hawkers, and those working outdoors continue to battle the heatwave head-on, with no option but to adapt to the rising temperatures. As Mysuru inches closer to summer, the big question remains—will 2024 set new records for the hottest summer yet? Only time will tell.

For now, Mysureans can only hope for a few cool breezes and an early respite from the soaring temperatures. Stay hydrated and stay safe, Mysuru!