IMD: February was warmest in 122 years since 1901, know reason?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that this February was the warmest in 122 years since 1901. India's meteorological department has forecast a March-May heatwave across most of the country after record-high temperatures in February.

Warmest February in India in 122 years

A heatwave reduced India's wheat output in 2022 and forced the world's second-biggest producer to ban exports. The average high temperature in February was 29.54 degrees Celsius, the highest since 1901 when the IMD began keeping weather records.

In a virtual news conference, S C Bhan, head of IMD's Hydromet and Agromet advisory services, said there was little chance of heatwaves in March, but most of the country could experience extreme weather in April and May.

February's monthly average maximum temperature was the highest since 1877, Bhan told reporters in response to a question, linking the upward trend to the phenomenon of global warming.

If the trend continues, it is likely that India will experience more extreme weather events in the future, which could have significant impacts on the country's agriculture, water resources, and overall economy.

Extreme weather

India is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The most extreme weather events, such as heat waves, severe floods and severe droughts, kill thousands of people each year and add to economic hardship by eroding agricultural productivity.

At the same time, it strains the country's energy supplies by boosting demand for fossil fuels and depleting sources of hydroelectric power.

March likely to have above-normal minimum temperatures

Above-normal low temperatures are likely in March across most of India, except in the southern Indian peninsula, where low temperatures are likely to be normal or below normal.

Most likely, the average rainfall in the country is normal (83-117% of the long-term average). Below-normal rainfall is most likely in most areas of North West India, West Central India and some parts of East and North East India.

Normal to above normal rainfall is likely over most of mainland India, east-central India and some isolated parts of north east India.

Reason behind rising heatwave in India

India has been experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves in recent years, which have been linked to climate change and its effects on global weather patterns.

Heat waves can have a significant impact on human health, especially among vulnerable populations such as older people, young children, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Heat waves can also have economic impacts, including reduced productivity and agricultural losses.

In 2019, India experienced one of the deadliest heatwaves on record, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country. The heat wave was responsible for hundreds of deaths and widespread power outages.

India is facing a heat wave due to a combination of factors, including climate change, urbanization, deforestation, and air pollution.

Climate change is causing temperatures to rise across the globe, with India experiencing a significant rise in temperature. Rising temperatures are causing longer periods of heat waves and more intense heat waves.

Urbanization and deforestation are also contributing to the heat wave in India. As cities expand, concrete and asphalt absorb and trap heat, creating an urban heat island effect.

Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb and regulate heat, leading to higher temperatures.

Air pollution is also a factor in India's heatwave. Pollution from vehicles, factories, and burning crops and waste all contribute to the formation of smog, which traps heat and increases temperatures.

What causes the temperature to rise?

The temperature can rise for various reasons, depending on the context.

Thermal energy: When an object absorbs thermal energy, its temperature increases. This is because thermal energy causes the object's atoms and molecules to vibrate faster and with greater amplitude, raising the object's overall temperature.

Compression: When a gas is compressed, its temperature increases. This is because the compression causes the gas molecules to collide more frequently, which increases their kinetic energy and therefore the temperature of the gas.

Radiation: When an object absorbs radiation, such as sunlight, its temperature can rise. This is because the energy of the radiation is absorbed by the object's atoms and molecules, increasing their kinetic energy and raising the object's temperature.

Chemical Reactions – Some chemical reactions can release heat energy, which can raise the temperature of the surrounding environment.

For example, the combustion of fuels such as gasoline and natural gas produces heat energy, which can increase the temperature of the air and surrounding objects.

Friction – When two objects rub against each other, friction can generate heat energy, which can raise the temperature of the objects. This is why rubbing your hands

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