Humidity prime factor behind increasing rainfall and dangerous heat waves
New Delhi: The current spell of heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, which has taken a heavy toll of life and property, was caused due to northward movement of the axis of the monsoon trough-driven weather conditions. These conditions led to heavy to very heavy rain across the Himalayan region, a report by Karam Prakash in The Tribune, Chandigarh, says
While weather conditions predecited heavy rain there, climate change has definitely played a defining role in increasing intensity of weather activities, say climatologists.
Experts said the atmosphere, land and oceans are warming at a faster rate owing to the climate change.
“The warmer it becomes, the more moisture the atmosphere can hold. This has led to more water being evaporated from the earth’s surface. This increases the holding capacity of the air, which results in more droplets and heavier rain, sometimes in a shorter space of time and over a smaller area,” said experts.
Experts added that there had been an increase in the average relative humidity across India because of the rapid rise in land and sea temperatures.
According to experts said humidity was the prime factor behind the increasing likelihood of heavier rain and even more dangerous heat waves.
Experts said both humidity and temperature were the twin pillars of climate change.
“Monsoon rainfall patterns over India have seen a climatic shift in the recent decades. The most significant change is that instead of having moderate rains, spread out through the monsoon season, we have long dry periods intermittently with short spells of heavy rain.
“We saw this pattern during the current year also. Even though the all-India average rainfall is near normal, the regional rainfall during the season has had deficits and floods. The pace of global warming has now accelerated, and we need urgent action as these extreme conditions will intensify in the near future,” said Dr Roxy Mathew Koll, senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune.
“The loss of lives and property, caused by the recent landslides and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, serves as a stark reminder of the intensifying impact of climate change on vulnerable regions.
Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director, at Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business said: “As climate change accelerates, the frequency and severity of such natural disasters are rising. The heavy rains that have besieged Himachal Pradesh over the last few weeks are consistent with the patterns expected in a warming world. Immediate action is imperative”.
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