Mangaluru cooler than Bengaluru, but humidity offsets relief

Mangaluru: While Mangaluru remains relatively cooler than Bengaluru this mid-summer, recording 34°C compared to Bengaluru's 37°C on April 16, high humidity levels of around 80% continue to drive discomfort. According to IMD data, temperatures in Mangaluru are expected to rise by about a degree over the weekend, bringing it closer to Bengaluru's projected high of 35°C by April 27.Even as North Interior Karnataka is under a heatwave forecast until Sunday, coastal districts are likely to experience hot and humid conditions.A senior IMD scientist explained that the heat index factors in both temperature and humidity to reflect perceived discomfort. "For instance, at 34°C with 70% humidity, excessive sweating leads to loss of electrolytes. In such cases, while it may not qualify as a heatwave, it is categorised as ‘hot and humid' conditions," the scientist said.Micro-level data indicate variations in heat intensity across the district, with Kadaba flagged in the state's heat risk report.On April 16, the KSNDMC listed Kadaba in Dakshina Kannada among taluks where maximum temperatures exceeded 40°C. However, no taluk in the state crossed the 42°C threshold that triggers an extreme heat alert.Moderate heat forecastAhead of the weekend, the state's disaster monitoring centre has not placed any district under extreme or very high heat categories. However, Belthangady, Kadaba and Puttur taluks are expected to experience moderate heat conditions (32-34°C) until Saturday. An official from the Dakshina Kannada district disaster management authority said no heatstroke cases have been reported so far.