Skymet weather

Thick haze covers the entire Indo Gangetic plains

The temperature in India during the winter months and the severity of the dense fog blanket and thick haze, especially in the Indo Gangetic plains has always caught the attention of experts and weathermen at Skymet. Although it will not be long before the temperature in India changes, the dark white winter shroud disappears and be forgotten about, there’s one thing about the winter temperature in India that will leave a mark in the history of weather records. This is the intensity and the duration of the thick haze and dense fog cover in the Indo Gangetic plains that has increased considerably over the years due to a number of reasons.

The rapid changes in the temperature of India have been a topic of discussion and study for not just weathermen of India but for NASA as well. This image captured by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite shows a thick haze cover over the Indo Gangetic plains, starting from the Himalayas and going up to the Bengal Sea.

The conclusions drawn for this thick haze cover by experts at NASA are a mixing up of air masses and a combination of urban and industrial pollution, agricultural fires, and a regional meteorological phenomenon. The air higher in the atmosphere is cooler than the air near the surface, this is a situation in which warm air rises and pollutants are dispersed. However, cold temperature in India in the winter months makes the cold air settles over northern India, trapping the warmer air and the pollution with it. Needless to say, this causes great impact on human health. Jatin Singh CEO of the Skymet Weather, says “The aerosol loading has increased considerably also because of the growing population, urbanization, and industrialization in recent years in countries like India and China.” On the other hand it is believed by some that the number of respiratory problems is quite high in areas of Kolkata, Allahabad, Benaras, Haridwar, where coastal mist and haze stays all throughout the year, apart from the winter months of November to Feb, when it is the thickest. This therefore breaks the myth that a large number of respiratory cases are common only in the metropolitan cities where the air quality is poor because of pollution.

It is imperative to address the serious changes in the temperature of India and environmental threat so that the associated impacts on public well-being are minimized. The occurrence of thick haze and fog is not unique to this part of the world and certainly not a recent phenomenon over India but the intensity, persistence, the widespread nature and the dangerous impact of the winter haze and fog over the Indo Gangetic plains is overwhelming. The exorbitant impact of this haze cover on public life makes it almost equivalent to a natural hazard.

Photo by NASA.

Dense fog and extreme cold days continue in east U.P and Bihar

Skymet Weather predicts that dense fog will continue to cover the entire east U.P, Bihar and north Bengal region for at least two more days to come. This will not be good news for commuters and railways and airport authorities. The ‘western disturbance’ that affect the Himalayan regions often lead to a change in temperatures in north India, leading to cold day conditions and temperatures falling down to sub zeros. This is what the people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are experiencing right now. The maximums have continuously been 5⁰C to 10⁰C below normal and the fog is prevailing for longer hours.

In the entire month of January extreme cold temperatures (sub-zero) were recorded in parts of Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Agra and Varanasi, etc. And on Jan 28th 2013, Lucknow recorded the coldest minimum temperature at 2⁰C, lower than the temperature in Amritsar which usually remains the coldest due to its proximity to the hills. The day temperatures in Gorakhpur and Varanasi were also recorded at 9⁰C and 8⁰C below normal.

On the other hand, thick haze and mist in coastal areas (Allahabad and Kolkata) of Uttar Pradesh and Bengal has been bothering people for the last few days now. The weather conditions in these areas can change only if the wind picks up and evades this persistent fog and mist.  The dense fog hours and extreme cold weather in the New Year has already taken the death toll in Uttar Pradesh to very high figures.

However another ‘western disturbance’ which is expected to enter the Himalayas in two days, which could help in raising the temperatures and giving some relief from the shivering weather. It is due to this approaching system that little rain is expected over Delhi and adjoining areas of NCR on the Feb 1st or 2nd. Currently, Delhi is experiencing light mist in the morning hours and partly cloudy skies.

There are chances of drops of rain over Vidharbha and adjoining areas of central India, due to a mix up of humid winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Weather is pleasant in this part of the country. Arunachal Pradesh and Assam too could record traces of rain in the hills because of the circulation of winds. Weather will be dry elsewhere in India.

Photo by Sigfrid Lundberg.

Weather in Major Airports in India on Jan 29th 2013

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi-   The weather in Delhi will be extremely pleasant as the early morning mist will not hamper any flights at all. The fog in Delhi airport has disappeared as of now as winds have picked up and days have become sunny and bright. The weather in Indian airports particularly the weather in Delhi airport is of great importance to the country as the capital of India sees the arrival and departure of some crucial domestic and international flight.

Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar- The weather in Amritsar has been one of the coldest in the last few days of January, without any fog or delays. The same trend would continue as the moderate winds from the hills will not let any fog form over the region. Therefore, no delays or cancellations at the Amritsar airport. Flights will be on time and not bother tourists. Sun will be bright, right from early morning.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow- Delays could continue in Lucknow Airport for another two days as dense fog will cover the runway. Though weather forecasters at Skymet Weather assure that the fog in Lucknow airport will soon get cleared and will last only till 9am. The visibility could be down to 50meters till then. Among all the major airports of India, Lucknow airport is the only one facing serious fog issues.

Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna-   Fog free, happy days for the people of Patna. Winds are strong enough to not let any fog form in open areas. Skies will be clear and no flights will get delayed. This will be a pleasant relief from the dense foggy conditions that had been continuing over Bihar in the last few days.

Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport, Varanasi- Now is the time to visit Varanasi and take a dip in the holy Ganges since the shallow fog in Varanasi will not delay any flights. The light fog in the morning will soon get cleared and the visibility will be up to 500 meters or more.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata-    Kolkata airport operations will not be affected by fog.

Photo by Kuster & Wildhaber.

Avalanche kills more than three dozen yaks in Himachal Pradesh

Avalanche killed at least 38 yaks in Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall remains persistent in Himachal Pradesh this time of the year leading to avalanches that affect lives in this Himalayan States. Yaks are domesticated and owned by residents of tribal district Kinnaur.

Very heavy snowfall has cut the Kinnaur districts off from rest of the areas of the state. The blockage due to snowfall has also left tourist stuck in the valley. At least five people were reported killed by an Avalanche during last week bads weather. Yaks are one of the major attractions during winter in Himachal Pradesh as people often come to Kinnaur to take joyride on Yaks. Himachal Pradesh tourist spots such as Kullu, Manali, Kinnaur are famous for snowfall citing.

Domesticated yaks have been kept for thousands of years, primarily for their milk, fibre and meat, and as beasts of burden. Their dried droppings are an important fuel used all over Tibet and is often the only fuel available on the high treeless Tibetan Plateau. Yaks transport goods across mountain passes for local farmers and traders as well as for climbing and trekking expeditions.

Kinnaur is likely to remain cut off from the capital, as clearing the snow will take a week from the national highway leading to Shimla. Places other than the town Shimla remain shadowed in the dark as power cables and poles have been uprooted in many places. The minimum temperature used to come down to -20ºC during winter in Himachal Pradesh.

Current weather conditions and forecast of Kinnaur for the next 7 days does not give any hope for reversal in its weather. The minimum temperatures will remain sub-zero while the maximum will be around 6 degrees. Snowfall has stopped for next two days but it will again occur on 29th January.

 

Photograph by bdearth

Republic day 2013; weather of Delhi will be bright and sunny

Skymet Weather predicts that the weather in Delhi during the prestigious Republic day parade will be extremely pleasant as the morning will be cool without fog and day will be bright and sunny. The weather of Delhi is currently not so cold because of the change in the wind pattern from icy northerly winds from the hills to warmer northwesterly winds from land. This perfect weather of Delhi is a great time to enjoy the Republic day parade and travel around the Capital for some winter shopping, sightseeing or a small picnic around the monuments.

The weather of Delhi in the month of January is usually a cause of concern for the organizers and the people participating in the Republic day parade. The foggy weather of Delhi hampers the spectacular presentation of the Air Force planes that display the colors of the flag of India. The thick cover also blocks the entire view of the eager crowds that gather in thousands at the India Gate to see the Republic Day celebrations in spite of the freezing temperatures. This year too, the initial days in the month of January caused major problems during the practice sessions of the N.C.C cadets, selected from all over the country, school children and people from all the states as the winter weather of Delhi broke all records with temperatures plummeting to as low as 1.9⁰C (the highest in 45yrs).

But this year as the flag of India will be unfurled and the national anthem will bring the crowd to its feet, the sun will shine brightly and bring beaming smiles on everyone’s face. The weather of Delhi has improved from the last few days, leaving the cold days behind, the maximums will rise and be around 22⁰C. Light winds will be welcomed by all. The patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country together irrespective of the weather of Delhi being chilly, to witness and be a part of this magnanimous and memorable event.

The normally cold weather of Delhi on the 64th Republic day 2013 will bathe in sunlight all day long and will surely make many change their plans and watch the parade live at India Gate. The Republic day celebrations at the Capital are elaborate and memorable but the celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir and Wagah Border in Amritsar are of much more important to the jawans of our country who have dedicated their lives to the nation. The weather in Kashmir will be very cold at subzero temperatures. The recent snowfall in the region will make people shiver but will not spoil the patriotic fervor. Temperatures could be between -0.3⁰C to 1⁰C in the morning but will improve around 11am. Unlike the sunny weather of Delhi, the weather at the Wagah Border in Amritsar will be foggy and cold. The military march will be carried out in cold conditions and light sunlight, shining through the fog cover. The temperatures in Amritsar have been among the coldest in the plains of India, but they could improve in the day and be above 10⁰C.

Photo by Christian Haugen.

 

Lightning has its own unique effect on headache: Scientists

Researchers are yet to conclude on how weather factors like barometric pressure and humidity affect the onset of headaches but a study published in the Journal of Cephalalgia clearly shows a correlation between lightning, associated meteorological factors and headaches.

Vincent Martin and Geoffrey Martin, a father-son scientists duo in their study showed that there was a 31 percent heightened risk of headache and 28 percent higher risk of migraine for chronic headache sufferers on days when lightning strikes within 25 miles of their homes.

According to these scientists, headache and migraine patients who fulfilled the criteria as defined by International Headache Society were deployed at the sites located in Ohio and Missouri. These patients kept a record of the aches they experienced for up to six months. Mathematical models were used to determine if lightning itself was the cause of the increased numbers of headaches or if it could be attributed to other weather factors encountered with thunderstorms.

"Our results found a 19 per cent increased risk for headaches on lightning days, even after accounting for these weather factors. This suggests that lightning has its own unique effect on headache," Martin senior said. He also added that the negatively charged lightning currents were also particularly associated with a higher chance of headache. The study concludes that lightning could bring on a heightened risk of headache and migraines.

 

Photograph by pennuja

Weather in major airports in India on 26th January 2013

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Flights at Delhi airport will be on time. Shallow fog in Delhi airport will appear but for a short period around 3:30am. The visibility will be around 500m during this period. The weather in Delhi airport will see winds from northwest direction.

Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Flight operations in Amritsar airport will remain unaffected though there are chances of moderate fog during early morning hours.

Chaudhary Charan Singh Internation Airport, Lucknow
Flights operations could get affected if the expected dense fog reduces the visibility to below 50m during early morning hours. Dense fog is likely to persist in Lucknow for a short period.

Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport, Varanasi
Flight operations could be disrupted at Varanasi airport, as foggy conditions are likely to persist. Moderate to dense fog is expected during early morning hours.

Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna
Fog could affect flight operations at Patna airport as humidity level will increase late night until early morning hours. The humidity level would be in the eighties during this period. Winds are slow and temperatures will remain below normal to help form fog.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Kolkata airport operations will not be affected by fog.

Bangalore Airport
Flight operations will be on time at Bangalore airport as current weather conditions are not prone to fog formation. The temperatures remain high with winds blowing at 10 to 20kmph.

 

Photograph by ampersandyslexia

Cold in Delhi restricted to morning and evening hours; Fog, cold days persist in UP and Bihar

Fog and cold days will continue in east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the next 24 hours. Fog will be witnessed in west Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal during this period. Weather in Delhi including northwest India continues to remain pleasant during the day and cold weather is now restricted to morning and evening hours in these parts. Rain is likely to reduce over east central India while it will continue in southern parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala during the next 48 hours.

Current weather conditions in east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar will sustain for now. Temperatures are below normal and northwesterly to westerly winds reaching these parts are slowing down. These winds are becoming northeasterly after meeting the easterly winds. This mix up will continue to create fog in these areas.

Fog will also be witnessed in west Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal during this period. Dense fog limit could extend to affect the weather in Delhi if northwesterly winds are limited to Delhi allowing easterly to southeasterly winds to penetrate up to the northwest region. But such change in wind pattern takes places when a Western Disturbance restricts northwesterly winds from reaching Delhi.

As a Western Disturbance is expected from 28th January onwards, such fog in Delhi could be expected thereafter. Current Weather conditions in Delhi will continue for now. The weather in Delhi will see bright sunny days during the next two to three days. Rising temperatures have reduced the cold weather only to the morning and evening hours.

Same mix up of winds is being witnessed in east central India, in east Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Light rain is expected at one or two places in these areas during the next 24 hours. A cyclonic circulation over Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura will give rain at one or two places in Arunachal Pradesh and adjoining areas. In south, rain is expected to continue in southern parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala due to their proximity to a cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep islands.

 

Photograph by mckaysavage

Australia heat wave: Australia at its hottest in a century at 49⁰C

The weather of Australia has been the hottest of the century as the mercury recorded the highest ever at 49.6⁰C (118⁰F) in Moomba in South Australia. The weather of Australia has continuously been like this in the New Year as most places recorded temperatures above 45⁰C. Though this is not the first time that the weather of Australia has been this hot, severe heat waves have been a regular trait of the weather in Australia but this time around it has been different because the coverage of the heat wave has been more and the affect has been persistent.

The weather of Australia often records high temperatures in the scorching summer months but this heat wave has been quite unusual as these baking temperatures have lasted for more than weeks now. The hot weather of Australia in the last two weeks surpassed the only previous analog of severe heat wave in the historical record available since 1910. Also, in the month of January, 70 percent of the continent has recorded temperatures above 42°C (107.6°F). It is not common for the Australian-average temperature to exceed 39°C for even two days in a row.

This persistent piercing weather of Australia has obviously raised concerns of weathermen across the globe. And the conclusion is a warmer globe means warmer continents and a drastic change in not just the weather of Australia but the weather of many other countries. Skymet Weather supports the worldwide analysis of the changed weather of Australia, done by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, which studies the various reasons that could have led to this severe heat wave. It includes reasons like the ocean heat content, sea surface temperatures, sea level, temperatures in the lower and middle troposphere, and the rate of melting glaciers and ice sheets. Studies further prove that the surface of the earth has warmed up by about 1⁰C during the past hundred years, and the decade from 2001 to 2010 has been the warmest. But due to natural regional variations, the globe doesn’t warm uniformly everywhere and warms immensely at some places, like it has in the case of Australia. During a January 2013 meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Tasmania, Chairman Rajendra Pachauri noted that the heat wave fits the pattern of global warming in the world: "If you look at the trend, it’s pretty unmistakable, and any proper analysis would tell you that we are heading in that direction", said Pachauri.

The unbearable heat wave of Australia has already led to a massive fire near Mount Feathertop and has burnt 1,300 hectares of land. And if the wind continues to be strong, chances of the fire spreading to other towns will become higher. Because of the hot weather of Australia a watch and act alert has already been issued to the residents of the continent. People are advised to stay indoors and if stepping out, its important that proper caution should be taken to avoid getting sick.

Jatin Singh CEO of Skymet Weather says, “Global warming is showing its effects too fast and bizarre weather is gripping the entire globe. The only way to fight is to be ‘weather wise’ globally.”

Photo by Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Benefits of a hot shower in winters

Remember when the weather in Delhi turned cold and you rushed for a steamy shower, your mommy told you to not have a shower with hot water for too long because it’s not only the bad for the skin but because it’s typically bad for the hair. When the weather in Delhi becomes dry during the winter months, your skin too becomes dry and scaly. Skin experts say a shower with hot water can spoil the already dry skin, further. But make sure that your skin expert tells you the disadvantages of a shower with hot water, while he also tells you the benefits.

So the next time you take a shower with hot water, don’t forget these interesting benefits:

Relaxes you: We all feel lazy when it comes to bathing in the cold winter months and times we have to head out early in the morning, skipping a bath, seems like the best option. But a shower with hot water will not relax you, rather it will make you lose all the sleep and feel fresh for the entire day. Those tired from a long and stressful day at work can have a shower with hot water to soothe and relax the body and have a good night-sleep.  The comfort of warm water dripping down the neck and back puts you in a state of bliss.

A cleaner skin: Dust, Pollution and toxins make our skin look dull and darker after a hard day of work. If not cleaned properly these dust particles get embedded in the skin and causes acne for most. But a shower with hot water in the evening will not only clean the clogged up pores, but will also remove the annoying white and blackheads very easily. This is the reason why most face packs suggest washing the face with warm water to make the complexion look fairer and cleaner.

Relieves muscular pain: For those who have a job that involves a lot of running around or others, who are into sports, often complain of muscle pain. To make matters worse, muscle and joint pain gets aggravated in the cold winter months. But here’s the simplest and cheapest solution available at home. The application of heat to torn and fatigued muscles is vital to the healing process if caused by the cold. This is also important for the body to be able to do anything useful at a reasonable enough rate. This is why a shower with hot water will increase the temperature of the muscles and therefore soothe the pain in minutes! It is for the same reason that hot water bottles work wonders to relieve pains.

A stronger body:   As we shower with hot water, the body releases copious amounts of Heat Stress Protein (HSP) means that our cells become better suited to the stress of exercise! So next time we exercise after a hot shower, our cells are more ready to take to take the stress. This means a better performance in the gym, school team, or work sports competition! Tests have shown, those who were exposed to heat for an hour a day, had 20% more muscle mass than those who were not!

 

 

 

 

 







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