Understanding India's Extreme Weather Patterns in 2023

India's Extreme Weather Patterns: An Overview

India is currently facing significant changes in its weather patterns, with recent events drawing attention to these alarming shifts. For instance, New Delhi experienced one of its hottest heatwaves, followed by an unprecedented rainfall event that brought 228.1 mm of rain in just 24 hours. This amount marks the highest rainfall recorded in June over the last 88 years. Such extreme weather has led to serious disruptions, including a tragic airport roof collapse, delays in flights, closures of metro stations, and severe traffic congestion.

Understanding the Causes of Extreme Weather

Several factors contribute to these extreme weather events:

• Climate Change:
  • Increased Temperature: A rise in the Earth’s temperature results in about a 7% increase in atmospheric water vapor for every degree. This leads to heavier rainfall over shorter periods.
  • Erratic Rainfall: Climate change is causing more extreme rainfall events, with heavy rain occurring over fewer days.
  • Data Trends: Weather stations across India are reporting record-breaking rainfall, indicating that cities can receive a year’s worth of rain in just a few days.
• Delayed Monsoons:
  • The monsoon's progress has been stalled for a week, resulting in lower rainfall and heatwaves in northern regions. However, sudden thunderstorms have helped resume the monsoon's course, often covering the country earlier than expected.

Impacts of Extreme Weather

The consequences of these extreme weather patterns are profound:

• Infrastructure Damage: Heavy rainfall often leads to infrastructure failures, such as roof collapses and flooding of transportation systems.
• Economic Disruption: Flooding and adverse weather conditions can halt business operations, resulting in significant economic losses.
• Public Health Risks: Heatwaves present severe health threats, including heatstroke and dehydration, particularly among vulnerable groups.
• Environmental Stress: Irregular weather patterns can disrupt ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and local environmental balance.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these challenges, several strategies can be implemented:

• Climate-Proof Infrastructure:
  • Storage Solutions: Building additional lakes and ponds can help manage heavy rainfall and alleviate water shortages in urban settings.
  • Drainage Systems: Ensuring that drains and canals are clear can prevent flooding.
• Green Cover: Increasing urban greenery can aid in temperature regulation and improve rainfall absorption.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about extreme weather impacts and promoting changes in behavior, such as staggered work hours and revised school timings, can help reduce heat exposure.
• Policy and Planning: Implementing policies focused on urban planning that emphasizes climate resilience and sustainability is essential. Investing in early warning systems and emergency preparedness can also enhance response to extreme weather events.

Conclusion

The extreme weather patterns observed in India underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies. Proactive measures, including enhancing infrastructure resilience, increasing green cover, and fostering public awareness, are critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable urban living.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the main causes of extreme weather in India?
Answer: The primary causes of extreme weather in India include climate change, which leads to increased temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, as well as delayed monsoon progress causing heatwaves and sudden thunderstorms.

Q2. How does climate change affect rainfall patterns in India?
Answer: Climate change results in heavier rainfall due to higher atmospheric water vapor content, leading to extreme precipitation events over shorter periods and unpredictable rainfall distribution.

Q3. What impact does extreme weather have on public health?
Answer: Extreme weather conditions, particularly heatwaves, pose significant health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.

Q4. What strategies can mitigate the impacts of extreme weather?
Answer: Strategies include developing climate-proof infrastructure, increasing green cover, raising public awareness about risks, and implementing policies for sustainable urban planning to enhance climate resilience.

Q5. How can urban areas prepare for extreme weather events?
Answer: Urban areas can prepare by investing in early warning systems, ensuring effective drainage, and fostering community awareness and preparedness to respond efficiently to extreme weather situations.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is a significant cause of erratic rainfall in India?
A) Urban development
B) Climate change
C) Population growth
D) Agricultural practices
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which of the following is a consequence of extreme weather patterns?
A) Improved infrastructure
B) Economic stability
C) Public health risks
D) Increased biodiversity
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What strategy is effective in managing heavy rainfall in urban areas?
A) Reducing green cover
B) Building more roads
C) Constructing lakes and ponds
D) Ignoring weather patterns
Correct Answer: C