Meteorological observations are made for a variety of reasons. They are used for the real-time preparation of weather charts and maps, for weather forecasts and severe weather warnings, for the study of climate, and for local weather-dependent operations. This module highlights all related details.
It is a prolonged period of excessive heat often accompanied by excessive humidity.
Heat waves occurs when there are a number of consecutive days with above average temperature , than the body can not tolerate .
The unusual and uncomfortable hot whether can impact on the human and animal health and cause disruption to community infrastructure such as power supply, public transport and other services.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves: Heat Waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions. When the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C
The weather agency declares a heat wave when a place registers a temperature that is 4.5 to 6.4oC more than the normal temperature for the region on that day. If the temperature is over 6.4oC more than the normal, the IMD declares a ‘severe’ heat wave.
The IMD also uses another criteria to declare a heat wave which is based on absolute recorded temperatures. If the temperature crosses the 45oC mark , the Department declares a heat wave ; when it crosses 47, a ‘severe’ heat wave is declared.
heat waves in india
How bad has this year’s heat wave been in India?
The early heat waves of 2022 that began on March 11 have impacted 15 Indian states and Union territories (as of April 24), according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that was analysed by Down To Earth.
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have suffered the most among the states, with 25 heat wave and severe heat wave days each during this period.
Surprisingly, after Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh has been the most affected by heat waves this year with 21 heat wave and severe heat wave days.
The IPCC report says that every additional 0.5oC of warming will increase hot weather extremes, along with extreme precipitation and drought.
Heat waves in India are likely to “last 25 times longer by 2036-2065” if carbon emissions remain high and push global temperature rise to 4oC by the end of the century, according to an international climate report published October 28, 2021, covering the G20 countries.
Wet-bulb temperature is a measure of humidity in the air. Factoring in humidity along with the heat, called the heat index, helps us determine what the temperature actually ‘feels like’.
Humidity combined with heat is deadlier for human health and wellbeing.
Humans with their sweat-based cooling system, have been well-designed to beat the heat. But there is a limit to the level of heat and humidity we can cope with. A wet-bulb temperature of 35°C is considered the maximum limit of humidity that humans can handle. Beyond this, the body can no longer effectively cool itself via perspiration.
Wet-bulb temperature is a measure of humidity in the air. Factoring in humidity along with the heat, called the heat index, helps us determine w
In 2016, forest fires have been noted in numerous places across the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These fires, set mainly in pine forests in the slopes of the sub-Himalayan region, produced clouds of smoke. Widespread comments in the Indian news media led to the government taking action, deploying the National Disaster Response Force and making use of Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters fitted with "Bambi buckets" to douse the fires with water. The forest department estimated that 3,500 hectares (8,600 acres) of forest had been burnt. Nearly 1,600 incidences of fires were detected which were brought under control by 2 May. The rains on 3 May helped in reducing the impact of fires.
To aid in understanding many complex interactions, scientists often build mathematical models that represent simple climate systems. This module highlights the fundamentals of climate models.
Meteorological observations are made for a variety of reasons. They are used for the real-time preparation of weather charts and maps, for weather forecasts and severe weather warnings, for the study of climate, and for local weather-dependent operations. This module highlights all related details.
It is a prolonged period of excessive heat often accompanied by excessive humidity.
Heat waves occurs when there are a number of consecutive days with above average temperature , than the body can not tolerate .
The unusual and uncomfortable hot whether can impact on the human and animal health and cause disruption to community infrastructure such as power supply, public transport and other services.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves: Heat Waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions. When the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C
The weather agency declares a heat wave when a place registers a temperature that is 4.5 to 6.4oC more than the normal temperature for the region on that day. If the temperature is over 6.4oC more than the normal, the IMD declares a ‘severe’ heat wave.
The IMD also uses another criteria to declare a heat wave which is based on absolute recorded temperatures. If the temperature crosses the 45oC mark , the Department declares a heat wave ; when it crosses 47, a ‘severe’ heat wave is declared.
heat waves in india
How bad has this year’s heat wave been in India?
The early heat waves of 2022 that began on March 11 have impacted 15 Indian states and Union territories (as of April 24), according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that was analysed by Down To Earth.
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have suffered the most among the states, with 25 heat wave and severe heat wave days each during this period.
Surprisingly, after Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh has been the most affected by heat waves this year with 21 heat wave and severe heat wave days.
The IPCC report says that every additional 0.5oC of warming will increase hot weather extremes, along with extreme precipitation and drought.
Heat waves in India are likely to “last 25 times longer by 2036-2065” if carbon emissions remain high and push global temperature rise to 4oC by the end of the century, according to an international climate report published October 28, 2021, covering the G20 countries.
Wet-bulb temperature is a measure of humidity in the air. Factoring in humidity along with the heat, called the heat index, helps us determine what the temperature actually ‘feels like’.
Humidity combined with heat is deadlier for human health and wellbeing.
Humans with their sweat-based cooling system, have been well-designed to beat the heat. But there is a limit to the level of heat and humidity we can cope with. A wet-bulb temperature of 35°C is considered the maximum limit of humidity that humans can handle. Beyond this, the body can no longer effectively cool itself via perspiration.
Wet-bulb temperature is a measure of humidity in the air. Factoring in humidity along with the heat, called the heat index, helps us determine w
In 2016, forest fires have been noted in numerous places across the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These fires, set mainly in pine forests in the slopes of the sub-Himalayan region, produced clouds of smoke. Widespread comments in the Indian news media led to the government taking action, deploying the National Disaster Response Force and making use of Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters fitted with "Bambi buckets" to douse the fires with water. The forest department estimated that 3,500 hectares (8,600 acres) of forest had been burnt. Nearly 1,600 incidences of fires were detected which were brought under control by 2 May. The rains on 3 May helped in reducing the impact of fires.
To aid in understanding many complex interactions, scientists often build mathematical models that represent simple climate systems. This module highlights the fundamentals of climate models.
This presentation provides an overview of a field-based practical exercise that allows students in forestry, ecology and natural resources to develop their understanding of forest stand dynamics. The exercise involves measurement of key tree growth parameters in four even-aged, single-species plantation stands of different age but occupying sites with similar soil and environmental characteristics. The selected stands represent key stages in stand development, from establishment to rotation age for fibre production. In the field, students work in small teams to gather data from an equal number of plots within each stand. Tree parameters include top height, crown diameter, live crown ratio and diameter at breast height. In addition, information on stand density and understorey vegetation is collected. Plot size and number can be varied to suit the constraints of class size and available time, though circular plots of 100 m2 are recommended. In the classroom, data are pooled and analysis focuses on presenting tree and vegetation changes through time. The simplest way of interpreting the data is to prepare graphs and charts for each of the parameters, though more advanced statistical interpretations are possible. The project as outlined here can be modified to meet the needs of different groups, and has been successfully used in undergraduate teaching of silviculture and forest ecology, as well as in postgraduate courses in natural resources management.
Download Paper at URL: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/254307252_The_development_of_even-aged_plantation_forests_an_exercise_in_forest_stand_dynamics
Agricultural Transformation Agenda in GTP II
Presented by Dereje Biruk (ATA) at the Ethiopia - CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) Country Collaboration and Site Integration Meeting, Addis Ababa, 11 December 2015
Application of remote sensing in forest ecosystemaliya nasir
Established remote sensing systems provide opportunities to develop and apply new measurements of ecosystem function across landscapes, regions and continents.
New efforts to predict the consequences of ecosystem function change, both natural and human- induced, on the regional and global distributions and abundances of species should be a high research priority
GIS is an essential technology for all phases of emergency management preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. Find out how GIS provides a foundation for comprehensive emergency management .
To prepare for and mitigate emergencies, GIS can map and model potential disasters to help visualize critical vulnerabilities and damage consequences. As rebuilding begins, GIS aids local, state, and federal agencies with technology that supports collaboration between multiple agencies.
Field data captured with mobile GIS provides the ability to add updates from remote locations for more efficient incident management. It also supplies rapid damage assessment and more accurate recovery operations.
for more, http://www.extension.org/69093 Changes in precipitation and temperature vary by region. In general the US is seeing more precipitation and the timing and intensity of precipitation is also changing. While global temperatures are increasing, it is the variability and intensity of temperatures that are of greatest consequence to animal agriculture.
This presentation provides an overview of a field-based practical exercise that allows students in forestry, ecology and natural resources to develop their understanding of forest stand dynamics. The exercise involves measurement of key tree growth parameters in four even-aged, single-species plantation stands of different age but occupying sites with similar soil and environmental characteristics. The selected stands represent key stages in stand development, from establishment to rotation age for fibre production. In the field, students work in small teams to gather data from an equal number of plots within each stand. Tree parameters include top height, crown diameter, live crown ratio and diameter at breast height. In addition, information on stand density and understorey vegetation is collected. Plot size and number can be varied to suit the constraints of class size and available time, though circular plots of 100 m2 are recommended. In the classroom, data are pooled and analysis focuses on presenting tree and vegetation changes through time. The simplest way of interpreting the data is to prepare graphs and charts for each of the parameters, though more advanced statistical interpretations are possible. The project as outlined here can be modified to meet the needs of different groups, and has been successfully used in undergraduate teaching of silviculture and forest ecology, as well as in postgraduate courses in natural resources management.
Download Paper at URL: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/254307252_The_development_of_even-aged_plantation_forests_an_exercise_in_forest_stand_dynamics
Agricultural Transformation Agenda in GTP II
Presented by Dereje Biruk (ATA) at the Ethiopia - CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) Country Collaboration and Site Integration Meeting, Addis Ababa, 11 December 2015
Application of remote sensing in forest ecosystemaliya nasir
Established remote sensing systems provide opportunities to develop and apply new measurements of ecosystem function across landscapes, regions and continents.
New efforts to predict the consequences of ecosystem function change, both natural and human- induced, on the regional and global distributions and abundances of species should be a high research priority
GIS is an essential technology for all phases of emergency management preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. Find out how GIS provides a foundation for comprehensive emergency management .
To prepare for and mitigate emergencies, GIS can map and model potential disasters to help visualize critical vulnerabilities and damage consequences. As rebuilding begins, GIS aids local, state, and federal agencies with technology that supports collaboration between multiple agencies.
Field data captured with mobile GIS provides the ability to add updates from remote locations for more efficient incident management. It also supplies rapid damage assessment and more accurate recovery operations.
for more, http://www.extension.org/69093 Changes in precipitation and temperature vary by region. In general the US is seeing more precipitation and the timing and intensity of precipitation is also changing. While global temperatures are increasing, it is the variability and intensity of temperatures that are of greatest consequence to animal agriculture.
Life can be hard - especially if you set an impossibly high bar of perfection for yourself. In this talk I gave to some incredible Canadian leaders I wanted to emphasize the need for us to embrace the unsexy feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome so we can "reclaim our swagger" sooner and maximize our potential output.
(TD Scholars Conference 2013)
Credit:
Sarah Prevette - inspiration for the slide format & "reclaim your swagger"
Reid Hoffman - "live life in permanent beta"
Paul Graham- "startup curve"
Jessica Hagy - inspiration for including cool charts to portray ideas
Michael Litt - inspiration for including optical illusions
Martin P. Hoerling, a federal research meteorologist specializing in climate dynamics, has written the following expansion and defense of his criticism of some assertions made in an Op-Ed article on climate change by James E. Hansen of NASA. His initial criticism was posted on the Dot Earth blog.
The largest association of meteorologists and climate scientists issued a fresh statement on the scientific evidence for human-driven climate change and possible impacts. This is an update from the 2007 statement that can be found here: http://www.ametsoc.org/policy/2007climatechange.html
More on climate change on Dot Earth:
http://j.mp/dotBasic http://j.mp/dotBasics
Climate Change Effects on Dengue Fever and Chagas' DiseaseAbigail Lukowicz
Undergraduate capstone project for the class Ecology of Infectious Diseases. This research highlights potential effects of climate change on the Dengue Fever vector (Aedes aegypti) and the Chagas' disease vector (Triatomine spp.). Collaboration with Michael Andreone and Daniel Pastika.
diurnal temperature range trend over North Carolina and the associated mechan...Sayem Zaman, Ph.D, PE.
This study seeks to investigate the variability and presence of trends in the diurnal surface air temperature range
(DTR) over North Carolina (NC) for the period 1950–2009. The significance trend test and the magnitude of trends were determined using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test and the Theil–Sen approach, respectively.
Statewide significant trends (p b 0.05) of decreasing DTR were found in all seasons and annually during the analysis period. The highest (lowest) temporal DTR trends of magnitude −0.19 (−0.031) °C/decade were found in summer (winter). Potential mechanisms for the presence/absence of trends in DTR have been highlighted. Historical
data sets of the three main moisture components (precipitation, total cloud cover (TCC), and soil moisture) and
the two major atmospheric circulation modes (North Atlantic Oscillation and Southern Oscillation) were used for
correlation analysis. The DTRs were found to be negatively correlated with the precipitation, TCC, and soil moisture across the state for all the seasons and annual basis. It appears that the moisture components related better to the DTR than to the atmospheric circulation modes.
Climate Change Basics: Issues and Impacts for BoatingNASBLA
State Climatologist David Zierden presented Climate Change Basics: Issues and Impacts for Boating to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators on September 9, 2008
2. Purpose Statement
The purpose of this research paper is to examine the link between climate change
and drought conditions in the Southwestern United States, to include the states of Texas,
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. Understanding how drought conditions may worsen
with changes to precipitation and temperatures is useful in developing drought mitigation
plans designed to lessen the impact of prolonged droughts on individuals and communities.
The term drought is difficult to define. For the purposes of this paper, drought will be
broken down into several categories as outlined by the National Climatic Data Center
(2011): meteorological drought occurs when a pattern of dry weather dominates an area;
hydrological drought typically occurs when low levels in the water supply become
noticeable; and agricultural drought occurs when crops are impacted due to dry conditions.
The quantitative research method will be employed to gather statistical data from a
number of databases and other resources to establish a correlation between changes in
precipitation and temperature levels, and the severity and duration of drought in the
Southwest.
Problem Statement
This study will examine the relationship between climate change and drought
conditions in the Southwest United States, so that we may better understand the future
impact rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation will have on the severity and
duration of drought in this region.
Three questions that will help guide this research are as follows: how have drought
conditions in the Southwest changed from the previous century? How are rising
temperatures and falling precipitation levels affecting the duration and severity of drought?
What will future drought conditions look like as climactic patterns continue to change?
Theoretical Framework
Susan Hassol (2009) examines the impact of global climate change on the various
regions of the United States. She states that recent rises in temperatures in the Southwest
3. have been among the worst and most rapid in the United States, and goes on to say that
future climate change projections indicate warming in the region will continue with much
large increases seen in under higher emissions scenarios. Hassol further concludes that
summertime temperatures in the Southwest will continue to rise, resulting in more severe
droughts.
MacDonald (2010) examined the effects of drought in the southwestern United
States, and the potential effects this region may experience if there is an increase in the
severity and frequency of drought conditions. MacDonald also found that climate models
indicate the 21st century will be more arid, thus resulting in longer and more severe
droughts in the Southwest. He goes on to conclude that the Southwest is unlikely to
experience prolonged periods of moist conditions similar to that of the 20th century due to
an increase in global temperatures.
Seager et al. (2007) examines nineteen varying climate change models to conclude
that Southwestern North America (including the Southwest United States) is on track to
become increasing dry and arid. Additionally, Seager et al. states "the levels of aridity of the
recent multiyear drought or the Dust Bowl and the 1950s droughts will become the new
climatology of the American Southwest within a time frame of years to decades" (p. 1181).
Seager and Vecchi (2010), after analyzing 15 coupled climate models, conclude that
the climate of Southwestern North America (including those states located in the Southwest
United States) will dry throughout the 21st century as a consequence of rising greenhouse
gases. They go on to explain that this regional drying is part of a series of larger climatic
changes including a drying of the subtropics; the pole-ward expansion of subtropical dry
zones; and a reduction in winter-season precipitation levels due to a shift in winter storm
tracks. They conclude that it is unlikely the Southwest will experience moist conditions such
as was seen in the 20th century, and further warn that dry conditions in the region could
intensify even more in the event of La Niña-like conditions.
4. Strzepek, Yohe, Neumann, and Boehlert (2010) analyzed the effects of climate
change on the frequency and severity of drought across the United States by applying two
separate indices to twenty-two IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
circulation models under three differing emissions scenarios. Results from the study indicate
that the frequency and severity of drought in the United States will vary by region, with the
Southwestern states being particularly hard hit. They also found that climate change is
likely to increase the length of drought conditions, causing otherwise mild droughts to
become severe or even extreme.
Hypothesis
Climate change increases drought conditions in the Southwestern United States.
Significance of Study
Current drought conditions in the Southwest United States provides a preview of
what the region may experience as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate
change. The effects of severe and prolonged drought conditions have a detrimental impact
on agricultural output; lead to water supply problems; increase the likelihood of severe
fires; cause erosion issues due to changes in precipitation patterns; and negatively impact
native plant and animal species.
Understanding the likelihood for future droughts, as well as how severe those
droughts may be, can help ease its impacts by allowing individuals and governments to take
appropriate actions prior to the onset of drought (NOAA, 2001).
5. Research Design and Implementation
The units of analysis for this research projec t are climate change, drought, and
Southwestern United States.
Theoretical definitions.
Climate Change. Climate change is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency [EPA] (2011) as referring to any significant changes in climate, such as
temperature, precipitation or wind that lasts for a prolonged or extended period of time.
Additionally, the causes of climate change as stated by the EPA (2011) are due to a number
of different variables including natural factors, natural processes and human act ivities.
Drought. The term drought incorporates several definitions depending on the type
of drought being discussed. This paper will depict drought as a combination of the following
terms as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National
Climatic Data Center (2011), and will differentiate between the terms as necessary:
Meteorological drought. Occurs when a pattern of dry weather dominates an area.
Hydrological drought. Typically occurs after prolonged instances of meteorological
drought, when low levels in the water supply (groundwater, reservoirs, streams and rivers)
become noticeable.
Agricultural drought. Occurs when crops are impacted due to dry conditions.
Southwest United States. There are many different definitions regarding the
boundaries of this region, depending upon which government agency is being cited. For the
purposes of this paper, Southwestern United States will refer to the following states as
established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2011): Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico,
and Arizona.
Relation between Variables
Drought is the result of dry conditions that last an extended period of time (NOAA,
2011). As climate change includes significant alterations in temperature and precipitation
(EPA, 2011), it can be theorized that as the climate continues to warm, the severity of the
6. drought conditions -- especially in drought prone regions such as the Southwestern United
States (Williams, 2011) -- will become significantly worse.
Methodology
This study will use the quantitative research methodology to prove the validity of the
hypothesis. Data and statistical information will be collected from a number of databases
including the U.S. Drought Monitor; the Drought Impact Reporter; the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center; the National Drought Mitigation
Center; and the Climate Center for the Southwest. The data collected will include average
annual precipitation levels; mean annual temperatures; and historical and current drought
conditions.
Data Analysis
Data analysis will focus on establishing a correlation between drought
duration/severity and changes to temperature and precipitation levels in the region. For
near term drought forecasting, the Palmer Drought Index will be used to calculate the
probabilities of drought intensity based on historical weather data. Long-term drought
predications will be made by analyzing data presented by the U.S. Global Change Research
Program.
References
Anderson, D.M., Boesch, D.F., Durkett, V.R., Carter, L.M., Cohen, S.J., Grimm, N.B., ...
Santer, B.D. (2009). Global climate change in the United States. Retrieved from
http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/
us-impacts/download-the-report
Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Climate change or global warming? In Basic
Information. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basicinfo.html
Hassol, S.J. (2009). Global climate change impacts in the United States. U.S. Global Change
Research Program. Retrieved from http://downloads.globalchange.gov/usimpacts/
pdfs/climate-impacts-report.pdf.
7. MacDonald, G.M. (2010). Water, climate change, and sustainability in the southwest.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America,
107(50), 21256-21262. doi: 21256-21262
National Climatic Data Center. (2011). Definition of drought. Retrieved from
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-monitoring/dyk/drought-definition
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2002). U.S. seasonal drought outlook
from NOAA's climate prediction center. Retrieved from
http://www.magazine.noaa.gov
/stories/mag27.htm
Seager, R., Ting, M.F., Held, I.M., Kushnur, Y., Lu, J., Vecchi, G., ... Naik, N. (2007). Model
projections of an imminent transition to a more arid climate in southwestern North
America. Science, 316(5828), 1181-1184. doi: 10.1126/science.1139601
Seager, R. & Vecchi, G.A. (2010). Greehouse warming and the 21st century hydroclimate of
southwestern North America. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the
United States of America, 107(50), 21277-21282. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0910856107
Strzepek, K., Yohe, G., Neumann, J., & Boehlert, B. (2010). Characterizing changes in
drought risk for the United State from climate change. Environmental Research
Letters, 5(4), 1-9. doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/5/4/044012
Strzepek, Yohe, Neumann, and Boehlert (2010) analyzed the effects of climate
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2011). Planning divisions. Retrieved from
http://www.fws.gov/
mountain-prairie/planning/contact/index.html
Williams, J. (2011). Climate change: Old droughts in New Mexico. Nature, 470(7335), 473-
474. doi:10.1038/470473a