Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 Is India’s Hottest Year
Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
![Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 Is India's Hot](https://i0.wp.com/www.bloggermaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Record-Breaking-Heat.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1)
Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 Is India’s Hottest Year
Introduction:
Hello, friends! Do you remember the summer season 2 years ago?
Year 2022 was called the Hottest Summer Ever. That year, it was so hot in India that it broke the 122-year-old record. But then came the Summer of 2023. In 2023, the summer season was so scorching hot that scientists said that it was the hottest summer in the last 2,000 years in the northern hemisphere of Earth. But then we come to the year 2024.
Temperature Recorded:Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
January 2024:Hottest January Ever Recorded.
February 2024: Hottest February Ever Recorded.
March 2024: Hottest March Ever Recorded.
April 2024: Hottest Month Ever Recorded.
Record-breaking heat Waves:Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
The last 11 months on Earth, have been record-breaking in terms of heat. The scorching heat that you have to bear today is not normal. And you are not alone. Last month, in South India and in the entire Southeast Asia, record-breaking heat waves have been seen. There was such unbearable temperatures in Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
everywhere.In the Philippines, the heat index had crossed 53°C.
Forest fires:
Forest fires were reported in Uttarakhand, and during the first week of May, similar incidents occurred in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Heat wave warnings are being issued nationwide, including in regions like Kerala, where such warnings are uncommon. Currently, temperatures in North India have risen above 46°C. While global warming and climate change are major contributing factors, are they the sole reasons behind these occurrences? No.
Let’s understand the two other reasons that are causing this and what is the solution at the local level.
What can we do to avoid this heat?
First, we need to understand that such extreme weather events are not only seen in India or Southeast Asia,but also in every corner of the world.
What happened in South America this month?
“At least 83 people are dead In the wake of continuous rainfall in Southern Brazil and more than hundred are missing.
Another 123,000 people that have been displaced by floods.”There were devastating floods in Brazil
in which more than 150,000 people were displaced.Entire cities was submerged.
What is happening in South Africa? Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
We are witnessing a terrible drought.”The Southern African region is experiencing a severe drought with many families unable to cater for their daily needs like food.”
“I just spoke with some of the elders from the community And the last time they experienced a drought like this
is 1947.So this is not a normal circumstance.”A drought unparalleled in the past several decades.That’s why many southern African countries
have requested $5.5 billion from the rest of the world.To prevent a situation of starvation.There is one weather event behind all this destruction which is considered the biggest cause.
El Niño.
The Earth experiences a natural climatic cycle every 5-7 years, known as El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, due to climate change, this cycle is becoming increasingly extreme each year. The World Health Organization identifies ENSO as the second-largest factor influencing Earth’s climate, with the first being the connection between Earth and the Sun, resulting from Earth’s revolution around the Sun and causing seasonal changes. Following this solar effect, El Niño has the second-largest impact on climate.
What is El Niño? Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
Coriolis effect :Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
Since Earth rotates from west to east, the Coriolis effect causes the Trade Winds to flow in the opposite direction. As a result, the surface water of the Pacific Ocean normally flows towards the west, moving towards Australia. When surface water flows in that direction, the water below the surface level near South America rises to the surface, a process called upwelling. This upwelled water is much colder and richer in nutrients, benefiting fish and marine life. In this normal situation, hot water moves towards Australia, and cold water moves towards South America. Hot water evaporates more easily, forming clouds and bringing more rain near Australia.
But now friends, imagine thatlthese trade winds have weakened.These winds are not flowing as strongly over the Pacific Ocean.
What will happen With El Niño:
The upwelling becomes weak and almost non-existent, keeping the surface water consistently hot. Clouds that would normally bring rain to Australia can rain anywhere over the Pacific Ocean, making Australia very dry. This phenomenon, called El Niño, occurs in an irregular cycle—sometimes every 4, 5, or 7 years. When El Niño occurs, it lasts for 6 to 12 months and changes global weather patterns. In Australia and Southeast Asia, it causes higher temperatures and drier conditions, increasing the risk of heatwaves. The violent Australian wildfires of 2020 were also caused by El Niño.
The last El Niño event:
It was in 2018-19 Which lasted till January 2020.This is why the bushfires in Australia happened in December 2019.Since then, today,from January 2023 till now, another El Niño is in effect.The interesting thing here is that in South America, El Niño has the opposite effect as it has in Asia and Australia.
That is, it rains more there.The risk of floods increases.This is why today we see many devastating floods in Brazil.
What is La Niña?
Now, apart from this, there is an opposite phenomenon of El Niño which is La Niña.Both these words are from Spanish.El Niño means the boyand La Niña means the girl.The normal conditions of the Pacific Ocean, as I told you,normally, if they go to extremes,then the La Niña effect is seen.
What does La Niña effect mean?
The Trade Winds blowing towards the west start moving strongly in that direction.Because of this, colder water flows to South America and hotter water flows towards Australia and it starts raining more in Australia due to La Niña.La Niña’s events usually last longer.They can last for 1-4 years.
After the El Niño of 2018-19, when La Niña came in 2020-21,it became so extreme that it caused flooding in Australia.It rained so heavily in Australia.
You can see the news from March 2021.
Floods in Australia.
The strongest El Niño event till date was seen in 2015-16.After that, was the 1997-98 event followed by the current 2023-24 event.On the other hand, the blue trenches are the La Niña events.The latest was in 2020-21which went on all the way up to January 2023.Before this, the strongest La Niña was in 1999-2000.
Scientists believe that La Niña can start by July-August.
How La Niña influence India?Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
India’s monsoon can be better than average this year.Last year, in the rainy season of 2023, there wasn’t a lot of rain because of El Niño.
El Niño significantly contributed to the exceptionally hot summers of 2023 and 2024. This phenomenon led to droughts in Southern African countries and, to some extent, contributed to heavy rains and floods in Dubai. Scientists attribute the increasing extremity of the El Niño effect to human-induced climate change. Consequently, floods associated with El Niño are becoming more perilous, and heat waves are escalating in severity.
This is why in Kerala,
A heat wave warning was issued only twice, first in 2016 and then in 2024, both during an El Niño event. The Indian Meteorological Department uses specific criteria to declare a heat wave. They consider temperatures above 40°C in plains, above 37°C in coastal areas, and above 30°C in mountains. Additionally, if temperatures remain 4.5°C above normal for two consecutive days, a Heat Wave is declared. A Severe Heat Wave is declared if temperatures are 6.4°C above normal for two consecutive days. However, if the temperature crosses 45°C, a Heat Wave is declared without considering other conditions. Despite these criteria, temperature alone isn’t always a reliable measure. For instance, in May, 45°C in Delhi may be more tolerable than 38°C in Mumbai, where the latter feels more unbearable.
Impact in Delhi:
It is because of the humidity. With increasing moisture in the air, the more difficult it is to tolerate higher temperatures.
But what really is humidity?Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
Relative humidity refers to the maximum moisture content in the air at a particular temperature. When the relative humidity is 100%, the air is completely saturated at that temperature and cannot hold any more moisture. You may have studied this in school. The thing is, the hotter the air is, the greater its capacity for retaining moisture. Hot air holds more moisture than cold air. This means that if both cold air and hot air have 100% relative humidity, the hot air will contain more moisture.
As humidity increases, it becomes more difficult for the sweat on our bodies to evaporate. Sweating is the primary way our body cools itself. When it is very hot and the humidity is high, we cannot sweat effectively, and our body cannot cool itself. This can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to consider both temperature and humidity together. There is a metric that accounts for both of these factors.
The Heat Index.
Heat index tells us how hot the weather outside will feel for us.On your phone’s weather app, you would have noticed,the temperature in Mumbai might be written as 31°C,with the “feels like 37°C” beside it.In some apps, it is written as Real Feel.This Feels Like indicator is computed from the heat index.
On this chart, you can see the various temperature levels,and various relative humidity,and their corresponding Heat Index.
If the temperature is 35°C and the relative humidity is 50%,then it will feel like 41°C.But if at the same temperature,the relative humidity is at 75%
then it will feel like a dangerous 53°C.And this comes under the Red category.which means extreme danger.On this heat index,you have a high chance of getting a heat stroke or a sunstroke.This is why, the latest heat wave in the Philippines was so dangerous and deadly.Because the heat index there had reached 53°C.Those who do not know this,may look at the actual temperature of “only” 40°C or 41°C,thinking that it’s not very high.
But it is very important to pay attention to the Heat Index.Because even for the heat index of 32°C to 41°C,
Physical Activity:
you need to take extreme caution.If you spend a lot of time in the sun or do any physical activity,it is possible to get a heat stroke.
We hear cases where people lose their lives due to the heat.Due to a heat wave.And this is why, temperature wise, Delhi is hotter right now.
But heat index wise,how bearable it is to stay outside?It becomes intolerable by June end.Because by then the rainy season is about to startand the humidity increases.Although, the situation has worsened to an extent that in Delhi, the Heat Index is touching 50°C.And according to this report, over the next few days,it can reach as high as 56°C.Now apart from this there is another effect which increases the impact of heat waves impact on a local level.
Urban Heat Effect:Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
An effect whose solution is much easier than all other effects.The Urban Heat Island Effect.In different areas of a city,some places are hotter and some are colder.You might have also noticed this. Places with more trees, like parks or green spaces, tend to have more comfortable temperatures compared to areas dominated by concrete buildings, tall glass structures, wide highways, and asphalt-covered surfaces. These areas are known as Urban Heat Islands, and there’s a simple reason for this. Concrete, glass buildings, and asphalt absorb heat, especially from sunlight. In cities with extensive concrete coverage, ventilation and air circulation are limited. As a result, heat is absorbed throughout the day, and there’s little air movement. At night, the absorbed heat is released into the air, contributing to higher temperatures in urban areas.
Heat effect was studied in Delhi:
It was determined that the regions where this urban heat island effect is present. They are Connaught Place, Sitaram Bazar, Bhikaji Cama Place,
these places were 3°C to 8°C hotter as compared to the places with more trees.Like the Hauz Khas District Park,Buddha Jayanti Park temperature 7°C to 8°C.It’s such a huge difference. Which tells the importance of trees.
“Do we really need more highways?
Do we truly require dual highways and airports? Constructing these highways often necessitates the clearing of numerous forests, with many of them passing through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. “In my view, genuine development doesn’t involve laying concrete and asphalt in cities or widening roads. True development means creating walkable spaces where people can comfortably navigate, with cities designed to maintain comfortable outdoor temperatures and abundant greenery accessible for pedestrians. Automobile usage should be limited to essential needs, as cars contribute to the Urban Heat Island effect through heat emissions. Implementing more car-free zones within cities would be beneficial for the populace, a concept many developed nations are now embracing.”
The transformation in Paris:Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
The government there has banned cars from the city on a large scale.Removed the asphalt and planted trees.Promoted cycling.
All this to reduce the intensity of the Urban Heat Island effect.Which people have a comfortable temperature to live in the city to make it possible for people to walk between destinations.Promoting public transport as an alternative is very important.Using air conditioners.
Another factor that intensifies the Urban Heat Island effect is the use of air conditioners (ACs) by people during hot weather. Using ACs releases heat outside, contributing to increased heat in the surrounding area or environment. One alternative to this is to rely on natural methods for cooling. Building designs should prioritize ventilation in a manner that minimizes the need for AC usage. Historically, our ancestors designed buildings with such natural cooling principles in mind.
Old buildings in Dubai:Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 is India’s Hottest Year
What else can we do instead of installing AC in houses?
Alternative of AC is Radiant Cooling.This is a new technologywhich saves a lot of money in comparison to AC.What happens in this regards is to install pipes in the walls through which cold water flows.And this cold water flowing through the walls.This technology keeps houses cool without an AC. Many new buildings use it, but it’s actually an old technology. In the olden days, kings and emperors built forts and monuments like the Taj Mahal with water channels to keep them cool. Small channels of water flowed around the buildings, cooling the surrounding area. This same concept is applied today.Promoting this technology will keep the city cooler and save money by reducing electricity bills.
Governments Initiatives:
And apart from this, obviously,
governments need to focus on making cities greener.Plant more trees and more parks,so that the impact of heat waves can be minimised.
But we will have to implement all these solutions as soon as possible,because in the near future,these heat waves are going to get more dangerous and more impactful.
Conclusion:
The heatwave of 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts. By taking proactive steps, India can build resilience against future extreme weather. Events and protect its population and economy from the devastating effects of heatwaves. According to a recent study on Future Projections for the Tropical Indian Ocean, it indicates that in the coming years, we can expect nearly constant marine heat waves in the Indian Ocean. By the year 2050, many regions may experience heat waves lasting from 220 to 250 days per year.
Comments
Record-Breaking Heat: Why 2024 Is India’s Hottest Year — No Comments
HTML tags allowed in your comment: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>