Extreme heat is just one side of the temperature extremes that India is experiencing. While heat waves grab most of the attention, India is also witnessing increasing instances of both high and low temperature extremes. The highest recorded temperature in India, 51°C (124°F), was documented in Phalodi, Rajasthan, in 2016, while the lowest temperature, a frigid −45°C (−49°F), was recorded in Dras, Ladakh.
The Indian subcontinent is especially vulnerable to these temperature fluctuations due to its diverse geography. The northern region, particularly the Himalayan region, experiences extreme cold in winter, while the desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat can face unbearably hot temperatures during the summer. These extreme temperatures disrupt everyday life and have a direct impact on agriculture, water resources, and public health.
Increased heat can lead to severe water shortages, as reservoirs dry up quicker than before. On the other hand, extremely low temperatures in the northern regions, especially in the higher altitudes like the Siachen Glacier, can disrupt infrastructure and lead to blizzards, claiming lives, particularly among military personnel stationed in those regions. In fact, harsh weather conditions, rather than combat, caused the majority of casualties in the Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan.
Interactive Element:
- Temperature Trends: Visualize the rise in extreme temperature events over the past century across different regions of India.
- Poll: Which do you think has a greater impact on India: extreme heat or cold?
No comments:
Post a Comment