March 23, 2024
Puttaparthi has always been hot in March, but this is a bit much! What crazy foreigner comes at this time of year? You’re looking at her. This is the time when westerners go home. They come during the reasonable months Nov Dec Jan when it’s quite a few degrees cooler. (I don’t know if the word “cool” really fits, but it’s more manageable.)
The hottest months are April and May. May being unbearable. I know I’ve been here, melting and unable to sleep! This year early March already feels like late April. Everyone is complaining even the locals. It’s TOO HOT!! Who’s playing with the dials???
Dry heat is easy for me, in the years past, I can be out mid day, walking, sun beating down on me. Locals thinking I’m mad. Rickshaws stopping asking me to get in. I’m fine. “Walking, exercise, water, no problem”
What happened?!? It was a mystery. This was feeling like the humidity in Kerala. Which is exhausting, but bearable with the sea.
And to add another layer of intensity. Puttaparthi being a traditional village one needs to wear the appropriate clothing. Shoulders covered, sleeves, shawl…and long pants or skirt. I can’t take it!
While discussing the intense heat with a friend he shared his insight. One persons opinion, but could be???
The once dry Chitravati river began to flow a few years back and someone came up with the idea to build a damn. So there sits a large, stagnant body of water, polluted water, creating unbearable humidity in what was once a dry climate.
It’s all beginning to make sense.
Ten days til I am enjoying a different type of sweltering heat. BUT, I will have the sea… (she says now:)
One sweaty day at a time.
Remember Sasha you LOVE the heat….HAHA!