Context: Why are temperatures rising in A.P. and Telangana?

Source: The Hindu

According to the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority, heatwave-like conditions are expected to persist in the northern districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Paravathipuram-Manyam, East Godavari, and Kakinada. On May 12, temperatures in 17 Andhra Pradesh districts topped 41 degrees Celsius. On April 21, mercury readings in all 33 Telangana districts soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which are located in South India on the eastern edge of the Deccan plateau, are frequently listed among the Indian states that experience the greatest summer heatwaves.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are both located in the Tropic of Cancer. This places the United States in the Torrid Zone, which is known for its hot and muggy climate. Since both states lie close to the Tropic of Cancer, throughout the summer the sun is vertically above them, increasing solar radiation and heating the region.

Since there are no significant bodies of water close by to provide mild temperatures, Telangana is a landlocked state. Because of this, it has a continental climate, with daytime highs of several degrees. Telangana is located on the Deccan Plateau’s stony topography, which has black soil that absorbs more heat and raises temperatures. This also applies to Andhra Pradesh’s interior districts.

An area’s temperature is greatly influenced by its land surface, topography, and amount of greenery. When water evaporates, a process known as evaporative cooling lowers the ambient temperature. When water evaporates in arid climates, it absorbs heat from the air and uses it as energy to turn into vapor, which cools the environment.

The temperature of the summer air is greatly influenced by irrigation, which can also prevent heat waves. Using water that is kept as soil moisture on the land surface is known as irrigation. Evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants creates evaporative cooling in the region during hot summer days, lessening the severity of heat waves.

High summer temperatures in both states are also caused by insufficient rainfall. These states don’t receive enough rainfall between March and May to keep the temperatures down. After June 10, the monsoon season arrives here. This results in more sunshine and less cloud cover, which raises the temperature.

One of the main obstacles to reducing heatwaves is the lack of an early warning forecasting system based on hourly measurements. The first step in lessening the effects of heatwaves is to understand the risk.

Model Question:

“Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged in India, posing serious challenges to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.” Examine the causes and consequences of heatwaves in India. Suggest suitable mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Model Answer:

A heatwave is defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a period of abnormally high temperatures, especially in the summer season, that can have severe impacts on health and the environment. With climate change, India has seen an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, especially in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

Causes of Heatwaves in India:

1. Climatic Factors: Global warming and rising mean surface temperatures. Western disturbances and absence of pre-monsoon showers in North India.
2. Urban Heat Island Effect: High heat absorption in cities due to concrete, asphalt, and lack of green cover.
3. Deforestation and Land Use Change: Reduces evapotranspiration, intensifying surface temperatures.
4. Geographical Factors: Interior continental regions experience greater temperature variations.
5. Delayed Monsoon: Extends the summer period and intensifies heat.

Consequences of Heatwaves:

1. Human Health: Increased mortality due to heat strokes, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress. Vulnerable groups: elderly, children, outdoor workers.
2. Agriculture: Heat stress on crops (especially wheat and pulses), causing yield reduction. Water scarcity affecting both irrigation and livestock.
3. Water Crisis: Drying up of reservoirs and depletion of groundwater.
4. Energy Demand: Surge in demand for cooling (ACs and fans), stressing the power grid.
5. Disruption of Livelihoods: Especially affects daily wage laborers, farmers, and street vendors.
6. Biodiversity Loss: Forest fires, migration of wildlife, and fish deaths due to rising water temperatures.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies:

1. Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Implemented in cities like Ahmedabad, involving early warning systems, public awareness, and inter-agency coordination.
2. Urban Planning Reforms: Increase green cover, use cool roofs and reflective materials, and improve urban ventilation.
3. Agricultural Adaptation: Promote climate-resilient crop varieties, change sowing dates, and adopt micro-irrigation techniques.
4. Water Resource Management: Rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of water bodies, and efficient irrigation practices.
5. Health Infrastructure Preparedness: Equip hospitals for heat emergencies, and ensure availability of drinking water in public spaces.
6. Policy and Research: Strengthen disaster risk reduction frameworks under NDMA. Invest in climate modeling and local heatwave forecasting.

Heatwaves are no longer sporadic weather events; they are becoming a persistent climate risk in India. A multi-sectoral and proactive approach, combining mitigation, adaptation, and community-level preparedness, is crucial to safeguard lives and livelihoods. Ensuring equity and resilience must be at the heart of India’s heatwave response strategy.