India has always faced high temperatures, but in recent years the country has experienced extreme heatwaves. A recent analysis by the IMD
India Meteorological Department states that a long-term significant increase in ‘heat stress’ due to high temperatures along with humidity over India.
The extreme heat was faced by parts of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra during this summer.
Record Temperatures-
The India Meteorological Department noted that this is the highest temperature recorded since June 1, 2019 in general. In 2016 India recorded its highest temperature of 51 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan, this year several parts of the subcontinent have come closer to the 51 degree mark. The Capital of the country also reached its highest temperature ever 49.9 degrees Celsius.
Reason for Extreme heat-
Several factors seem to be contributing to this heat in the region, According to many experts periodic warming of the sea surface in the Pacific Ocean caused moist warm air to rise along the equator line. This effect is called the El Nino Effect. Another critical factor could be the Anti-Cyclones which eventually lead to dry and warm winds. Local Factors could also add to this since India has very densely populated regions throughout the country leading to more automobiles, which could also lead to higher temperatures in a certain number of cities. Additionally, human activities, particularly the burning of agricultural residue and forest fires in the north-western regions of India contribute to to this effect by trapping the heat in the atmosphere.
What about Rain?
IMD predicted that the country can expect ‘above normal’ monsoon rainfall overall, especially in the monsoon zone crucial for rainfall agriculture during June-September. The department also stated the heat wave to lower considerably after May 29th.The monsoon plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural land.it is also crucial for refilling reservoirs essential for drinking water and power generation across the nation.
