Skymet weather

Weather forecast for the week in India (14th Jan – 20th Jan)

Northwest India

Northwest India is expected to witness fluctuation in temperatures during the week. The week starts with drop in temperatures. The temperatures would rise mid-week while they would again fall during the weekend.
Minimum temperatures will fall by 2 to 3 degrees due to absence of Western Disturbance during the next 24 hours but they would again rise from Tuesday, 15th January night as by then another Western Disturbance will appear over Jammu & Kashmir. So, from 15th January night till 18th January, night and day temperatures would rise by 2 to 4 degrees as warmer winds associated with Western Disturbance will be felt in the region.

But again a fall by more or less the same value will be experienced during the weekend as the northerly icy winds will resume and sky will be open, facilitating more heat radiation.

East India

No rain is expected in east India as there is not enough moisture in the winds to form precipitation. The winds in east India are blowing from the north so they would keep the temperatures down. These winds are slow for the first three days so fog can be expected during the next 48 hours starting from Monday, the 14th of January. Dense foggy conditions during morning hours cannot be ruled out at some places in the region. Wind speed will be crucial for the abatement of fog thereafter.

Northeast India

Northeast India will experience passing a Western Disturbance during the week. The current passing Western Disturbance over Jammu & Kashmir will reach over northeast India as an upper air cyclonic circulation. One or two places over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam could receive showers on Wednesday, the 16th of January, as the cyclonic circulation arrives. The weather will turn dry and cool thereafter.

South India

The northeast monsoon or the winter monsoon that gives rain in southern India during December has ended last week so there is no chance of rain in south India this week. During northeast monsoon, the northwesterly winds used to blow up to the Bay of Bengal. They pick moisture to send them towards southern Peninsula by turning into northeasterly winds. But these winds (northwesterly) usually fail to reach up to the Bay by this time of the year and turn into northerly, thus leaving out the Bay. They blow directly towards south in the form of northerly winds from here on.

 

Photograph by flunkie

Effects of global warming on health

The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. We are facing a global climate crisis. Global warming in India and the world is deepening and we are entering a period of consequences. The world is spinning in a vicious cycle of demand and supply, that is; both the causes and effects of global warming. If the situation continues health hazards will increase immensely and bring tragic results.

As our climate changes, the risk of injury, illness, and death from the resulting heat waves, wildfires, intense storms, and floods rises. The disastrous floods in India and United States (Nilam and Sandy) are a most recent example of the changing climate in India and the world.

Poor Air- Three key ingredients—sunlight, warm air and pollution from power plants and cars burning coal and gasoline—combine to produce ground-level ozone (smog), which humans experience as poor air quality. Higher air temperatures increase smog and cause major health risks to all breathing the polluted air. Asthma patients, people with bronchitis problems, cardiovascular patients or others suffering from severe sinus issues, suffer the most when the air is of poor quality.

Allergies- Warmer temperatures and higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere stimulate some plants to grow faster, mature earlier, or produce more potent allergens. Common allergens such as ragweed seem to respond particularly well to higher concentrations of CO2, as do pesky plants such as poison ivy. Allergy-related diseases such as itching, rashes, boils, rank among the most common and chronic illnesses due to warming of the climate.

Heat Strokes- Extreme temperatures caused by climate change can directly cause death as in heat strokes - especially in the old and the young. Studies based on heat wave events predict a 145% increase in deaths in New York in the last few years. The effects of global warming in India led to an astonishing rise in mercury at 47⁰C in Nagpur in May 2012. Hundreds of poor die every year in India due to extreme hot temperatures and lack of adequate rain in the wet monsoon months. Whereas adverse impacts of climate change in India and other countries of the world on agriculture, adds another 300 million victims of malnutrition deaths.

Spreading diseases-   Scientists expect a warmer world to bring changes in "disease vectors"—the mechanisms that spread vector-borne diseases. Insects previously stopped by cold winters are already moving to higher latitudes (toward the poles). Warmer oceans and other surface waters may also mean severe cholera outbreaks and harmful bacteria in certain types of seafood. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that warmer climates will increase malaria-carrying mosquitoes and put 65% of the world’s population at risk of malarial infection-an increase of 20% from the 1990s. The number of people that died of dengue in 2012 in Delhi and adjoining areas is a typical example of this.

“Global weather is rapidly changing, therefore harnessing alternate sources of “clean” energy such as solar and wind energy - that do not emit carbon dioxide is one of the surest ways to reduce global warming in India and avoiding, if any escaping the hazardous effects on global warming on our health”, says Jatin Singh, CEO of Skymet Weather Services.

Photo by Ben Heine.

 

Temperatures likely to drop in northwest; snowfall likely in J&K, HP

Temperatures are expected to fall by 2 to 3 degrees over northwest India during the next 24 hours. Snowfall and rain would occur over Jammu & Kashmir during the next two to three days. Dense fog is expected in some areas over Indo-Gangetic plains during the next two days. Rain will occur in the northeast within next three days.

The Western Disturbance over east Jammu & Kashmir will move out of the region during the next few hours. This will lead to resumption of northerly winds that would bring the mercury down by 2 to 3 degrees during the next 24 hours. Maximum temperatures would fall, as there would be more heat radiation due to openness in the sky. The morning temperatures would fall as icy winds originating from the snowfall areas would penetrate the northwest region during the next 24 hours.

But after a short period of fall in temperatures, they would again rise by 15th January night onwards as another Western Disturbance lying over north Pakistan will make an appearance over Jammu & Kashmir. Snowfall or rain would again start in the higher altitude regions and the plains respectively after the next 24 hours.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could also have snowfall in the higher altitude and rain in the lower region during the next 72 hours as the Western Disturbance over Jammu & Kashmir will move closer to them. The plains in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and west Uttar Pradesh could receive rain at one or two places under partly cloudy skies at times during this period.

Temperatures will again rise under the influence of the Western Disturbance in the region during this period. Maximum would rise due to less heat radiation while the night temperatures will rise due to the northerly winds being cut off after the next 24 hours.

In Indo-Gangetic plains, the mix up of prevalent northerly slow winds with moist easterly winds will form foggy conditions during morning hours. Dense fog could be witnessed in some areas during the next two days.

WEATHER IN MAJOR AIRPORTS OF INDIA ON 15th JANUARY, 2013

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi- The weather gods have been acting up as they have thrown in some dense fog in all the major airports of India once again. The weather in the Indian airports has been foggy today and the visibility has been pretty low. Delhi had to face the maximum brunt of this sudden change in weather, as the fog in the Delhi airport was thick and dense till 10am today and will continue to be the same tomorrow on Jan 15th. This foggy weather in Delhi airport led to a number of flight delays and cancellations this morning and passengers suffered a lot. Skymet forecasts that the weather in Delhi airport will bear dense fog tomorrow and early morning delays could have a high probability. This condition is likely to improve in the next 24 to 48hrs.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow- Lucknow was lucky enough to not have fog today with clear skies and visibility up to 1000 meters, but will not be this lucky in the next 24hours. Skymet forecasts chances of moderate to dense fog in pockets in Lucknow on Jan 15th. The visibility could be low and could possibly cause some delays in the early morning hours. Tourists must stay weather wise to get latest updates about the weather in Indian airports to avoid any change in plans last minute.

Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna- The weather in Indian airports is changing gradually because of the current ‘Western Disturbance’, which is causing dense to moderate in various cities. The weather in Patna airport will therefore change from shallow fog today to moderate fog tomorrow on Jan 15th due to the same reason. The visibility could be between 300 to 500 meters but will not cancel or delay any flights here.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi- The weather in the Varanasi airport could also see some difficult times tomorrow as the shallow fog today will turn to moderate fog on Jan 15th. The visibility could be low and the flight officials might have to wait for the skies to clear for take off. Though the delay in flights could only be for a few minutes if any. Skymet predicts the fog in Varanasi airport will improve within two days as the wind speed could pick up.

Subash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata- Kolkata had no fog today and will have a pleasant, fog free day tomorrow as well. Light winds and bright sunshine during the afternoon will not let any fog affect any air traffic in the city.

Sri Guru Ram Das jee International Airport, Amritsar- Weather in Indian airports becomes crucial, as some of them operate not just domestic but International flights too. And foggy conditions can therefore pose trouble in terms of hours of delay. But unlike all the weather in all major airports of India, Amritsar is enjoying not just the coldest temperature in the plains of India but is also experiencing fog free days due to the light northerly winds, blowing directly from the hills. Jan 15th will also see the same trend with a slight rise in the minimums. Skies will be clear.

Head of the weather forecasting team at Skymet Weather, Mahesh Palawat says, “the airport authorities should not get complacent about the fog in Indian airports at any given time as the remaining days in the month of January could surely witness some more dense to moderate fog days. Travelers should be alert too.”

 

Cold weather in India boosts wheat production for a record seventh year

A record wheat production is expected in the country for the seventh straight year as cold weather in India has boosted yield prospects. Soil moisture and below-average temperatures in the main wheat-producing states of Punjab and Haryana in the past few weeks have been beneficial for wheat crop. According to an estimate, wheat production may climb to an all time high of 93.9 million metric tons.

The weather in India has been conducive for wheat output in the last few years. Late monsoon showers during September and early October have helped wheat sowing as they keep the soil moisturized. From December to February, the appearance of Western Disturbances also maintains soil moisture to bear better crop yield. Wheat is sown at the start of winter in India and harvested in April and May.

Due to surplus production, export of wheat from India is also likely to increase and it may be more than 5 million tons in the year starting from April. International market is lagging in wheat due to droughts in Australia, Argentina and the US that has reduced crop output. Increase in supply from India may help to partly make up for the potential crop losses in the leading wheat-producing country. According to data from Indian agricultural ministry, exports have surged to 5.2 million tons since a ban on sales was scrapped in September 2011.

 

Photograph by CIAT

Snowfall likely in J&K, HP; winter monsoon ends in south

Snowfall is likely in Jammu & Kashmir from tonight. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand would also receive rain and snowfall during the next two days. Northeast monsoon or the winter monsoon has ended in the southern Peninsula.

A Western Disturbance is expected over Jammu & Kashmir during the next 24 hours. Snowfall and rain are likely at one or two places during the period. They will increase thereafter adding to a few more places in Jammu & Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand would also receive rain and snowfall when the Western Disturbance comes closer to this region. Rain is also expected at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 48 hours.

The Western Disturbance will stop cool and dry northerly winds so temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees during the next 48 hours. The skies in northwest India will become partly cloudy at times during the next two days.

Central and east India will also experience a rise in maximum and minimum temperatures during this period. The existing cold wave conditions may abate for the next two to three days under the influence of Western Disturbance. Foggy conditions over east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar will reduce further but north Uttar Pradesh may still witness shallow to moderate fog during the next 48 hours.

In the southern Peninsula, the wind pattern has changed as the northeasterly winds that are responsible for rain in the south have been cut off as more straight winds have started to reach this region. So due to the absence of moisture, rain would cease indicating an end to the winter monsoon this year.

 

Photograph by rajkumar1220

A weather app for clothes

It’s cold outside and you are wondering what to wear that’ll make you look the best. But who’ll make of the effort of trying on the whole closet? Winter weather in Delhi and adjoining areas often make us lazy thus we wear the first thing we see in the almirah because of which we often forget that favorite top or dress we planned to wear when it’s cold enough. The weather in Delhi during the months of December and January is the best time to flaunt your fashionable winter clothes but what’s the point if you rush to work in a hurry and forget to put on that perfect outfit, lying in your closet for months, again!

Here’s the solution for all you forgetful souls. A phone application called ‘Cloth’ will make you look fashionable. For example on a humid day, during the rainy weather in Delhi, this app will show you exactly what you wore the last time it rained. With technology on the rise and phone apps getting prevalence, assistance is now readily accessible for all fashionistas. If you find your fashion sense under duress, check out Cloth, an app for iPhone and iPod touch. Although primarily a fashion app, it's now weather-friendly too.

Featured in The New York Times, ‘Cloth’ is an easy way to save, categorize, and share your favorite outfits. The app also lets you send your favorite outfits to the official cloth website for the world to see. The makers of ‘Cloth’ with wunderground.com create Cloth Weather. Cloth Weather then uses real-time weather data to pull the perfect outfits for your current conditions. Whether you're in a snowstorm or a heat wave, Cloth Weather makes it easy! The app then automatically tags the outfit with the current temperature and weather. The next time when you need to decide an attire for the day, you simply select that particular weather tab and it will show you the outfits you had worn before. Hence, on a sunny day, you know exactly what exists in your closet that will keep you fashionably cool. One needs to pay a dollar for the app; however, a new update (version 1.6) is now free to download for all but the weather feature will still cost $1. Other than all the previous versions of iPhone, the new ‘Cloth’ 1.6 supports iPhone5 and iOS6 as well.

Photo by Alaskan Dude.

Potatoes will disappear in a warmer world

We keep reading about global warming and the effects it in newspapers and tabloids. The effects of global warming therefore often mention the warming climate and the changing weather situation in many countries and the extinction of many animal species due to it. But if you thought that global warming in India and around is limited to animal extinction, you are mistaken! It’s killing the potato too. Global warming in India could soon follow the same trend as in other developing countries of the world where the vital potato could be replaced by banana in the warming world.

A report made by researchers at CGIAR says, “Climate change could lead to crops from the banana family becoming a critical food source for millions of people as we head towards a warmer world”. Cassava and the little-known cowpea plant and bananas could be much more important food crops as temperatures rise. Potato crop could disappear altogether. No more will we get to eat mashed potatoes for breakfast or potato salads and curries. People will have to adapt to new, innovative and varied meals made of bananas on the menu. Traditional crops are already seen struggling in many parts of the world as rains are erratic, colder months are becoming shorter and droughts are common. Global warming has also led to massive storms and cyclones in Asia and other parts of the world. In India too, the destructive cyclone Nilam in south Peninsula damaged the paddy crops spread across lakhs of hectares of lands. Whereas rain deficit and close to empty reservoirs in 2012 in Tamil Nadu, forced many farmers to think about other substitute crops that require less water to grow so they don’t have to suffer when rains are dismal again.

A group of experts have therefore tried to throw light on the research that predicts that the world's three biggest crops in terms of calories provided, i.e. maize, rice and wheat, could decrease in many developing countries. They suggest that the potato, which grows best in cooler climates, could suffer majorly as temperatures increase and weather becomes more volatile due to the rapid global warming effects. And these pivotal changes could therefore provide an opening for cultivating certain varieties of bananas at higher altitudes and also in places where potatoes are currently grown.

But there are still others who ask why only bananas?? Researcher, Dr. Philip Thornton answers, “It's not necessarily a silver bullet, but there may be places where as temperatures increase, bananas might be one option that small-holders could start to look at. Growing bananas could have its own limitations but it could be a good substitute at certain locations.” He also adds, “Two decades ago there was almost no rice consumption in certain areas of Africa, now there is.”

Wheat on the other hand will also face a difficult future in the developing world, where higher prices for cotton, maize and soybeans have already pushed wheat to marginal land, making it more vulnerable to stress induced by climate change. Also Soyabean, which is susceptible to temperature, could be replaced by cowpea in sub Saharan Africa. Cowpea prefers warmers climate and doesn’t need much water. In Nigeria, farmers have already moved cotton away and have begun planting cowpea.

So we suggest you get off that couch and do something to stop global warming or the only kind of potatoes left in the world will be ‘couch potatoes’.

Photo by LindstormORG.

 

 

Weather in Major Airports of India on 12th January, 2013

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi- A perfect day as the weather in the Delhi airport will be pleasant tomorrow morning. There will be no fog in Delhi airport and no flights will be delayed or cancelled. Airlines will finally be relieved, as this weather in Delhi Airport will save them from the losses in business they had been facing for the last few weeks.

Subash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata- A fog free day for the people of Kolkata too. Days will be bright and sunny with plenty of sunshine for long hours from early morning till late afternoon. Slight mist or haze in early morning will not hamper any flights.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi- A fog free day for Varanasi as well. Visibility will be close to 1km and bright sun will appear right in the morning at eight. The planes will take off smoothly. There will be no delays at all.

Sri Guru Ram Das jee International Airport- The ‘western disturbance’ in the hilly regions could bring snow in J&K and could also bring some light rain in parts of Punjab. The weather in Amritsar airport will be cloudy to partly cloudy at times. But good wind speed will not allow any fog to form here. Both domestic and international flights will be on time.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow- This year while the temperatures in Lucknow set new records, the dense fog too bothered many commuters. Not just air traffic, rail and road were also badly affected. Though now conditions are improving here. The dense fog has shifted to moderate fog. The visibility, weathermen at Skymet say will be from 500 to 800 meters. Fog levels below 300 meter normally affect the flight time and causes major delays. Moderate fog at the airport will only be observed only from 6am to 8am tomorrow.

Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan, Patna- The fog situation in the foothills of Bihar will improve further and will disappear in the next two to three days completely. The dense fog though has improved to moderate, in Patna. This will not delay any flights since the visibility will be between 300 to 500 meters and this too will remain only till 5am. Thereafter the sky will be clear and day will be sunny.

Jatin Singh CEO of Skymet Weather Services says, “It’s not just the weather in Indian airports, which is crucial for a lot people, that we need to be updated about. Weather affects every aspect of our lives and therefore we must always be weather wise.”

Photo by Creativity.

Pleasant weather on Lohri for Delhiites

This year the changes in the climate of India led to some major alterations weather wise as the weather of Delhi in January 2013 set some astounding records. The weather of Delhi in January saw the coldest day with lowest maximum temperature in the last 44 years at 9.8⁰C while the minimum temperature went as low as 1.9⁰C, the lowest minimum in the month of January in the last five years. As the severe weather in Delhi disrupted life of the people immensely, weathermen and scientist around the world too raised concerns over the climate of India.

But the end of this week has brought some relief for the people and joy for the homeless as temperatures have risen considerably. The weather in Delhi on Jan 10th was recorded at 5.8⁰C in the morning whereas the maximum went up to 21⁰C. This is an increase of 2 to 3⁰C from the previous figures recorded in the first few days of January. The weather of Delhi in January 2013 for the last ten days has been below 5⁰C. (Jan1st - 4⁰C, Jan2nd- 4.8⁰C, Jan3rd- 5.5⁰C, Jan4th- 2.7⁰C, Jan5th- 3.6⁰C, Jan6th-1.9⁰C, Jan7th-2.4⁰C, Jan8th-3.3⁰C and Jan9th-4.4⁰C).

The changes in the weather of Delhi in the winter months from November to January is affected by the ‘Western Disturbance’ that travels in the lower latitudes and causes snow/rain in the hills of J&K and raises the temperatures of north, northwest and east India as it approaches. This is what's happening now. The temperatures in Delhi have risen and are close to normal and the sheet of thick and dense fog that had led to a massive delay of rail, road and air traffic in the last ten days has disappeared completely. Forecasters at Skymet say this change in the weather of Delhi will continue till Jan 14th. Thus Delhiites will enjoy a pleasant Lohri weather in Delhi with light winds and cool temperatures. “Although the biting cold has parted but the weather in Delhi after Jan 14th could drop once again. This drop will not be very high as maximums are expected to fall only by 2⁰C. The minimums will be normal”, says Mahesh Palawat, Head of the forecasting team at Skymet Weather.

After a pleasant Lohri, Skymet forecasts that the weather in Delhi on Jan 17th, 18th and 19th will see a drop as the easterly winds will set in and the clouding in the skies will persist. There are also slight chances of light rain on Jan 16th.

Photo by Shivali Chopra.

 

Winter fashion tips for girls

Girls love to dress up and look good all the time but the biting cold of the icy winter months can take away an opportunity to dress up as we want. The layers we put on make us look bulkier and bloated if anything, and it becomes just so hard to bundle up. You know what! The winter fashion tips we are stating down here will help all you girls look your best even when the temperatures are freezing. No more of those bulky sweaters, coats and boots that make you look like a haphazard snow-woman.

Use your summer Wardrobe- Wear your strapless or noodle strap summer dress or midi over a fitted black, white or dark blue turtleneck or high neck bottom -- a flawless way to extend your summer suits collection and stay toasty!

Don’t forget your Mini Skirt- Opt for thick opaque stockings that are easily available in the market these days; they can be bought at dirt cheap rates and are a perfect addition to a winter wardrobe. Use these to wear it with your short skirts that you generally wear during the hotter months.  These thick stockings are available in various bright colors too.

Pick the perfect overcoat- This one time investment will give returns for many winters to come. Invest in not just any but a thigh length peacoat; it will keep you warm without a draft. And for an even more dramatic fashion-forward look, try a calf-length coat. Lend your boring ill fitted overcoat to someone else while you look trendy in yours. Buy these in the most preferred black, grey, brown or red color. Do it differently by wearing a green or pink overcoat to stand out in gatherings.

Accessorize your warmth- There is an abundance of cold weather accessories like hats, gloves, scarves in the winter months and they are the easiest way to enhance your look and be stylish. Besides, this simplest fashion tip will keep you immensely warm too. You might be wearing the same sweater or coat everyday to work but accessorizing it with new mufflers, scarves and caps, will change the entire look. Tuck them inside or you leave them on as part of your outfit.

Oversized sweaters- Borrow your boyfriend’s sweaters and look chic. Wondering how? Well, these oversized thigh length sweaters can be teamed up a simple pair of leggings to carry a most relaxed and inexpensive yet highly fashionable look. Wear leather belts over it to accessorize it. Plus a cute braid will suit this look perfectly.

Furs- We girls love furs so how could we not include furs here. But here’s something you might have not tried. Throw in a fur-vest rather than wearing a fur coat that will only have some fur around your neck or hood. Fur vests (faux, of course) are extremely stylish and can be paired well over a thin top or a not so bulky high-neck sweater. Warm without the bulk – you will love it!

Where’s the Leather baby- What’s winter without some leather. Leather dresses and pencil skirts are on-trend right now. Wear them for a party and be the center of attraction. A black pencil skirt in leather will look fantastic with a polka dot black and white top. The best part, it won’t just make you look glamorous but will also keep you warm.

Photo by Visiophone.







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