Why temperatures are reaching record highs?
The increasing temperatures are caused by the urban heat island effect, which leads to major cities being much hotter than their nearby areas.
Many cities in North and Central India are facing extreme heatwaves, with temperatures reaching alarming levels.
Places like Delhi and Rajasthan have recorded temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, making it unbearably hot for the residents. However, there was a slight relief in Delhi as the temp dropped to 41.8 degrees Celsius after some evening showers.
In comparison, Mumbai is experiencing a temp of 33°C, Bangalore at 30.4°C, and Chennai at 39°C.
One of the key reasons for the intense heat in cities is the Urban Heat Island Effect. This effect refers to the phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than the surrounding rural areas.
The buildings, roads, and human activities in urban areas trap heat more effectively than natural landscapes, leading to higher temperatures within cities.
Additionally, the El Niño and La Niña weather patterns play a significant role in influencing global temperatures. El Niño, characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, can disrupt weather patterns worldwide and contribute to hotter.
The current El Niño event, which began in 2023, is expected to persist until June 2024. On the other hand, La Niña, which involves cooler Pacific Ocean waters, typically leads to cooler temp and increased rainfall. The forecast suggests that La Niña could bring a good monsoon season to India.
The type of heat stress experienced in different regions also plays a crucial role in determining the impact of high temp.
Dry heat stress occurs in areas with high and low humidity, where sweating may not be sufficient to cool the body, leading to dehydration and health issues. Moist heat stress, prevalent in regions with high temperatures and humidity, can also pose health risks due to the body’s inability to cool down effectively.
The rising temperatures and humidity levels have resulted in a 30% increase in heat stress cases over the past four decades. Heatwaves can have severe consequences, including heat stress, dehydration, and various health problems. Moreover, the economic impact of heat stress is significant, with projections suggesting a potential global loss of 80 million jobs by 2030 due to reduced productivity.
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