Will Tamil Nadu's Weather Breach Sub-Zero Degrees?
Temperatures Recorded
According to official data available, temperature was recorded at 1°C at Kanthal and Thalaikuntha. While in Udhagamandalam the mercury was at 2°C in Botanical Garden. Sandynallah was at 3°C.
Climate Change
V Sivadas of the Nilagiri Environment Social Trust (NEST) believes the change is due to global warming and the El-nino effect.
Tea plantation
Heavy rainfall earlier in December and the current cold weather has affected tea plantations. The secretary of a local tea workers union, R Sukumaran expressed fear regarding the plantation being affected in the coming months.
Farming Suffers
Decreasing temperatures have affected farming. Vegetable farmers have revealed that the weather has harmed cabbage crops in particular.
Low Visibility
The low temperatures have caused dense fog to produce which has limited visibility in the area.
Health Concerns
Locals have reported to be struggling with health issues (difficulty in breathing, severe headaches, and fever) due to the harsh cold.
How are people coping?
People are using bonfires to keep themselves warm.