As the summer intensifies, North and Central India are already battling severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius in several areas of Delhi and Rajasthan on Wednesday.
Despite a brief respite in Delhi after an evening shower, temperatures remained high at 41.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Other metropolitan cities also recorded significant temperatures, with Mumbai at 33 degrees Celsius, Bangalore at 30.4 degrees Celsius, and Chennai reaching 39 degrees Celsius.
Urban Heat Island Effect
India’s metropolitan areas often experience higher temperatures during May, June, and July, a phenomenon largely due to the urban heat island effect. This effect occurs when urban regions, with their dense infrastructure and human activities, absorb and retain heat more efficiently than rural areas. The result is significantly warmer cities compared to their surroundings.
Global Temperature Rise and El Niño Effect
The rising temperatures are not unique to India, as global conditions continue to worsen. Scientists attribute part of the excessive heat in India to the El Niño effect, characterised by unusually warm ocean temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean, leading to a rise in sea surface temperatures.
The El Niño cycle, which began in 2023, is expected to persist until June this year, contributing to the extreme summer conditions. However, it is anticipated that El Niño will weaken, giving way to La Niña.
Also Read: It’s a record! Delhi clocks highest-ever temperature in India
Understanding El Niño and La Niña
El Niño: This phenomenon involves the warming of ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns and leading to extreme heat.
La Niña: Conversely, La Niña is associated with the cooling of water in the Pacific Ocean, occurring at irregular intervals and causing widespread weather changes. La Niña’s onset is expected to bring a good monsoon season to India this year.
Causes and Effects of Heatwaves
Heatwaves in North, Central, and Eastern India result from various atmospheric and oceanic changes, posing significant health risks through heat stress.
Dry Heat Stress: Occurs when high temperatures are accompanied by low humidity, hindering the body’s ability to cool down through sweating. This leads to dehydration and other health issues, commonly affecting Central and North Western India during the summer.
Moist Heat Stress: Happens when high humidity combines with rising temperatures, preventing effective cooling through sweating. This type of stress is prevalent in eastern coastal areas like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, especially during the monsoon season.
Rising Heat Stress Cases
A study by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed a 30 percent increase in heat stress cases in India from 1980 to 2020, largely due to the combination of rising temperatures and humidity. During this period, the average heat index in Central India, North West India, and Eastern coastal areas rose by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal summer temperatures.
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