After a few gruelling days when the mercury level crossed the 40 degree-mark, Chennai finally had a respite from the soaring temperatures, on Monday.
This is set to continue for two more days. Residents in many localities of the city, including Thiruvanmiyur, Nungambakkam and Adyar, said they enjoyed a breezy morning, which was a welcome relief after the sweltering past week. An overcast sky for the most part of the day, led to a sharp dip in the day temperature. While the maximum temperature in Nungambakkam was 35.4 degree Celsius, Meenambakkam recorded 37.2 degree Celsius.
Officials of the Meteorological department said the increased cloud cover on Monday, had weakened the westerly wind that brings in hot air. Easterlies, which were responsible for the cool breeze, had set in as early as 7 a.m., bringing down the temperature. A weak cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is also cited as one of the reasons for the change in weather. Residents can expect the next two days to remain relatively cool.
However, the contrasting weather in the city and in neighbouring states over the past few days has influenced a further hike in vegetable prices. Traders at the Koyambedu vegetable market, the wholesale hub of produce, said the rains and a dip in crop yields in other states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh had led to an escalation in vegetable prices by a minimum of Rs. 4 a kg.
While beans cost Rs. 70 a kg in the wholesale market, potatoes and carrots cost Rs. 16 a kg and Rs. 28 a kg respectively. Drumsticks and beetroots also cost more.
M. Susheela, a resident of Korattur, said: “I was shocked when I checked the price list of vegetables at a nearby retail store. I did not buy the expensive vegetables such as beans that cost Rs. 80 a kg, and carrots priced at Rs. 50 a kg. Even potatoes that are usually priced around Rs. 15 cost Rs.22 a kg.”Onions are perhaps one of the few vegetables that have had stable prices over the past few days.
Keywords: Chennai temperatures, veggie prices
