Skymet weather

Has weather in Kolkata turned conducive for mosquito borne diseases?

Kolkata has seen a rapid rise in dengue cases this year as it emerged as a major city with the highest number of dengue cases. It recorded three times more dengue cases than Mumbai and Chennai. Dengue cases in Kolkata rose by 199% reaching a total of about 3321 cases and Delhi is at a close second with 2068 cases of the mosquito-borne disease, which has wreaked havoc across the country this year.

It has been proved that the dengue disease is sensitive to weather. The biological characteristics of Aedes mosquitoes are directly influenced bexpeditesy ambient temperature and rainfall. High temperature increases biting or feeding frequency;  development process from larval to adult stage; hastens incubation of dengue virus in mosquitoes.

Therefore, the reason behind the intensification of dengue disease is attributed to the weather in Kolkata that prevailed during this year's monsoon. Kolkata remained deficient in rainfall during the season and a high temperature under clouded sky, not only boosted the incubation of dengue virus in mosquitoes but also let the water loggings, a perfect breeding ground, not evaporate. This gave birth to dangerous Aedes mosquito in the city that led to higher dengue transmission rate and a larger mosquito population in a short period of time.

Most projections of global climate change indicate global warming and increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as extreme temperature, drought, heavy rainfall, and flood. This is likely to intensify the outbreaks of dengue disease. It has been estimated that the population at risk of dengue will increase from 3.5 billion to around 5-6 billion in year 2085, if projected climate change takes place. Nevertheless, few studies have projected the change in incidence of dengue fever resulting from the dengue sensitivity to climate and weather patterns.

 

Photograph by Rameshshng

Fog intensified over east UP, Bihar and WB; conditions turn favourable for its westward movement

Foggy conditions prevailing over east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and sub-Himalayan West Bengal have intensified again. The fog cover may last for the next two to three days. Conditions are also becoming more suitable for expansion of the fog cover towards the west areas of Uttar Pradesh where it is already being witnessed.

This expansion and prevalence is due to low minimum temperatures, slow; cool and dry winds, moisture fed easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal. The minimum temperatures are near dew point (temperature at which condensation take place) helping the heavy cool winds condense to form clouds on the ground, which is called fog in general terms.

Cooler and dry northwesterly to northerly winds are not only keeping the minimum low but at the same time they are slow and unable to push out other winds reaching the region. The winds are blowing at a speed of 3 to 5kmph, which is near perfect to form fog as they are also consuming moisture from the easterly winds.

Such weather condition if expends then the foggy conditions would follow suit. Fog could also cover Delhi region during the next three days if the temperature and wind-speed drops further. Rain is expected at one or two places over northeastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as the remnant cyclonic circulation from just-passed Western Disturbance is present over Assam and Meghalaya.

In the south, Tamil Nadu and Kerala will receive rain in its southern parts during the next 24 to 48 hours. These areas are being affected by a cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep.  The trough of low pressure area in the south Andaman Sea will give rain at a few places over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the next 24 hours.

 

Photograph by Nigel Cox

Pet Care: How to take care of you pets in winter

Brrrr! winters are here but Sasha and Boxer love the winter wonderland rather than cozying up on a couch or cuddling up in a blanket. Winter is the favorite season for pets. Though it’s not particularly true for all pets however most dogs love winters! So prepare yourself for pet care in winter when they venture out in the cold. These are points to remember on how to take care of pets in winter:

Temperatures: If it’s too cold for you to stand without a coat then it is probably too cold for your dog as well. Dress up your dog in the most colorful and fashionable dog coats available in the market. Besides, dog coats are not just fashionable; they prevent from frostbite on the ears, feet and tail. Yes, dogs too are prone to frostbite in extreme cold. The tolerance to different seasons and temperatures varies in short coated dogs and long coated ones. The former being more sensitive towards cold. “Dogs generally feel quite comfortable and much more at ease in the colder months as compared to their lethargic and often grumpy self in the scorching summers”, explains veterinarian Shubha Agarwal. “Puppies on the other hand require extreme pet care both during the winters and the summers”, she adds.

Bedding: Let the pets play out with their favorite ball or Frisbee but make sure a warm, indoor shelter and cozy bedding is provided for them when they return. Place the bedding in a warm spot, away from drafts, cold tiles or uncarpeted floors.

Food: Dogs will need an extra layer to stay warm in the winter but that should come in the form of an extra coat and not in the form of fat by excessively feeding them. Being attentive to the dog’s activity level and then adjusting the calorie content in the food accordingly thus becomes an important rule of pet care. Always feed your dog the highest quality dog food to ensure a healthy coat and good energy levels during the winter months. If giving home food, feed them a meal of warm rice/chapatti, meat and eggs. They will devour it!

Water: Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as in summer. Although many dogs eat snow while playing out, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. Check that the dog bowl is filled regularly as your pet may take frequent water breaks and could easily get dehydrated.  If you live in a snowy place and the dog bowl is kept outside, ice may form on top of it. Keep it inside if you can to prevent it from freezing. Bathe your dog with light lukewarm water not more than twice thrice in a month to keep it clean and healthy.

Medical needs:   Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to various illnesses during the winter weather. Contact your veterinarian if you detect any unusual symptoms in your dog. Remember, never use the counter medication without the advice of your veterinarian. Nobody know pet care better than the expert. For dogs that already have a medical illness like arthritis, a stringent exercise regime should be followed. They should also be kept from ice or any other slippery surface that could aggravate their condition.

Dogs are therapeutic angels whose presence can make a dull and morose day gleam. Paying special attention to your dog's needs during the winter season will thus ensure that you both enjoy the Winter Wonderland to its fullest. Happy Holidays!!

Photo by David Donachie.

No winter in Bengaluru in 2012: blame it on Global Warming

One reason behind the success of the city Bengaluru (or Bangalore, as many still call it) as a major corporate destination had been the cool weather. For people coming from the Western countries Delhi was too hot, Kolkata was too humid and Mumbai was costly and congested. However all that is changing gradually as India’s Silicon Valley city is losing its trademark advantage – the cool weather.

Winters in Bengaluru haven’t arrived this year. While the scenario of warm winter prevails across India all throughout November and December of 2012, Bangalore had been particularly bad. The colder nights of Bangalore have almost vanished and the residents are looking up to their ceiling fans even in supposedly winter months.

The change of winter temperature in Bengaluru is alarming many residents across the city. Amit, a software professional working with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) says, “I remember the last winter in Bengaluru was particularly colder which was also very unlikely of the city characteristic. But this year it’s completely opposite. It doesn’t feel like winter at all.” The stark change becomes even more evident as the mercury reading of Bangalore temperature in December hover between 30 – 34°C centigrade in 2012.

However, experts still seem to hold some hope. In a statement given to the Deccan Chronicle, B. Puttanna, director-in-charge, Indian Meteorological Department, Bengaluru, says “Temperature variation is not very uncommon in December in Bengaluru. We need some more years’ data to conclude that the cold nights are coming down in numbers”. While Mr. Puttanna does not draw a scary picture of the city’s weather condition, Mahesh Palawat, Head of the forecasting team of Skymet Weather Services makes no qualms in pointing out to human role in rising temperatures. “We must not forget that rapid urbanization around Bangalore is taking toll on its greenery. Overall global temperatures have risen by 0.6 – 0.8°C centigrade due to global warming and Bangalore cannot be different. However, this year our forecasts say that January 2013 temperature of Bangalore will near normal. Our long range models are indicating that January will be comparatively cooler and temperatures of the month will be near normal. On an average maximum will be 27°C and minimum will be around 15°C during January 2013.”

 

Photograph by Luna Park

Staying in Coastal regions? Know how to react to a Tsunami

The increase in the number of tsunamis and tropical storms around the globe every year has taken the world by surprise. The havoc a tsunami wrecks, leads to fatalities in thousands and damages property worth millions. Skymet weather forecasters say “Around 70 to 80 tropical storms are normal in a year but the increase in the number and intensity of these storms show the change in global weather pattern that could be very dangerous for mankind”

Though alert warnings are issued to the masses as to when and with how much intensity a storm could strike, there are measures and guidelines that must be followed to be prepared for a calamity beforehand. Follow these simple tips to know what to do when a tsunami strikes:

‘Before’ a tsunami

a)      People who live in the coastal areas suffer maximum loss due to a storm. So if you’re one of them, find out from your council about tsunami risks in your area and local warning arrangements.

b)      Be prepared to survive on your own with the help of your emergency kit for your home and car that will include food supplies, medicines, torch and a radio.

c)      Move inland to higher grounds immediately and stay there. If you live right at the coast, leaving your house is a must.

d)      If there is a noticeable recession in the water away from the shoreline, this is considered “nature’s tsunami warning”, if you witness this, move away immediately and report to the local authorities.

e)      Ships already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until advised to proceed.

f)       Check that your neighbors too are aware of the situation.

g)      If you cannot escape the tsunami, go to the upper-storey of a sturdy building or climb onto a roof or go up a big tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives.

h)      If you have a disabled person with you, who has special needs, make arrangements with your local support network to alert you of any warnings and emergency broadcasts well in time.

‘After’ a tsunami

a) Never go sightseeing. Never go to the shore to see the tsunami. Always wait for the "all clear" before returning to the coast. Sea waves can be very high with gusty winds.

b) Stay out of a building that has partly submerged in water – tsunami waters can cause buildings to sink and collapse

c) But if re-entering homes and buildings, use extreme caution as floodwaters may have damaged it. This could cause a short circuit thus causing health risks.

d) If your property is damaged, take notes for insurance and money recovery purposes. (Note: A house insurance is a must have)

e) Check food supplies that have come in contact with floodwater. These should be thrown out because there are high chances of contamination.

The 2004 tsunami in Asia killed 280,000 people, many of which were tourists. So in case of a sudden storm, these simple tips will also protect travelers, vacationing in coastal areas as they will know how to be safe during a tsunami.

Photo by Leslie Barrie.

 

Weather in major airports of India today

Fog is absent from most of the airports in India and flight operations are normal. Here is a forecast for the weather in Delhi airport along with update on fog in Indian airport during the next 24 hours.

Indira Gandhi International airport New Delhi

Winds blowing, at an average speed of around 5 kmph, would keep fog in Delhi airport away during the next 24 hours. The visibility would be around 3 to 4km and flights are most likely to be on time during this period.

Sri Guru Ram Dass jee International airport Amritsar

The airport in Amritsar has a clear sky and fog conditions are ruled out during the next 24 hours. Visibility would be around 4 to 6km. Morning flight catchers could feel cold, as the minimum temperature would be 6ºC.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International airport Lucknow

Lucknow airport would be fog free and flights will be on time. The visibility at the airport would be 2  to 3km during morning hours. The sky is clear and the morning temperature would be around 8ºC.

Lal Bahadur Shashtri Airport Varanasi

The sky over Lal Bahadur Shashtri Airport in Varanasi would be clear and the weather will remain fog free. Winds are blowing at a speed of between 5 to 8kmph.

Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan airport Patna

Foggy conditions are expected to reduce further but shallow fog may be experienced during morning hours. But that would not affect flight operations, as visibility would be around 2 to 3km.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose airport Kolkata

Airport in Kolkata would become fog free. The shallow fog in the morning hours would not interrupt flight operations. Visibility would be around 1 to 3km.

Bangaluru International airport

Visibility at Bangaluru airport be around 10km as possibility of fog is distant as winds are blowing at a speed of around 3kmph

The unusual fog free weather continues over north India in the absence of humidity and light winds.

 

Photograph by seaview99

Northwesterly resumes in north India; rain to continue over TN, Kerala and northeast

The Western Disturbance is expected to move out from the Jammu & Kashmir region during the next 24 hours. Thereafter, northwesterly to northerly winds would resume over northwest India that could sustain for the next few days. Minimum temperatures would drop over the region during this period. Real winter conditions would prevail in the entire country during the next two to three days.

Snowfall and rain over Jammu & Kashmir has reduced significantly during the last 24 hours. One or two places in Jammu & Kashmir would receive snowfall and rain during the next 24 hours. The sky will become mainly clear for the next two to three days until the arrival of next Western Disturbance.

Minimum temperatures are expected to fall by 2 to 3ºC over northwest, central and West India during the next two to three days as penetration of these winds would reach up to peninsular region towards the south and the west. Temperatures have already dipped by 2 to 3ºC in the northwest region during the last 24 hours.

Northerly winds would also keep Indo-Gangetic plains under cold wave conditions, as temperatures would remain below normal. Day's temperatures are below normal in east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and sub-Himalayan West Bengal as medium clouds and shallow fog would obstruct sun-heating. These conditions would continue at these areas during the next 24 hours.

A cyclonic circulation over Assam and Meghalaya persists. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would receive rain at one or two places during the next 48 hours.

A trough of low pressure area is persisting off Sri Lanka coast near Maldives. An associated cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep and its neighbouring areas persists. This system would continue to give rain in the southern parts of the country. Southern coastal Tamil Nadu and Kerala would receive rain at one or two places during the next 24 hours. Rain would continue to occur over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a trough of low pressure area is hovering over south Andaman Sea as well.

 
Photograph by TheDoGoodDames

Kolkata will miss winters in Christmas celebrations 2012

The weather in Kolkata during December this year until now has been warmer than expected as temperatures having been running above normal. Day temperatures have been more or less normal but it is the minimum temperatures that have remained above normal by around 4ºC leaving morning hours warm and residents amazed.

The “city of Joy” has not witnessed the real cold as yet as night temperatures that are expected to remain in the range of 15ºC during mid-December have been above 16ºC during this period. They are still above normal by 2 to 3ºC and if the current weather conditions continue, the night temperatures are expected to be around 17 to 18ºC on December 25 thus leaving Christmas celebrations usually warmer than normal.

Last year, the minimum temperature was 12ºC on December 25 whereas; it is expected to be around 17ºC this year showing a jump of around 5ºC from the last year. The coming Christmas is not only warmer than the last year, but if current trend of temperature continues in the coming days then this could be warmest Christmas in last five year. The minimum temperature on December 25 in 2007 was 14.3ºC and in 2008 it was 12.9 ºC. In 2009, the night temperature was 12.4ºC while in 2010 it was 15ºC.

Skymet weather cites the continuous flow of Western Disturbance over the Himalayan region as the main reason behind the above normal minimum temperatures. “ There have been numerous Western Disturbances in the last few days over the Himalayan region that obstructed cool northerly winds from reaching Kolkata. A fresh Western Disturbance is expected over Jammu & Kashmir on December 23. This weather system would again disrupt the cool wind penetrations over Kolkata around December 25 to raise the minimum temperature to around 16 to 17ºC,” said Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist at Skymet.
Photograph by Meena Kadri

Greenpeace India launches new facebook application ‘Jungle Hero’ to save the environment

Just when India is warming up to the importance of preserving the concept of weather, Greenpeace India launches a facebook application named ‘Jungle Hero’ to add catalyst to their latest campaign ‘Junglistan’. The campaign that was launched in July 2012 with the call for saving forests already claims to have 9 lac people signing a petition against coal mining in forest areas. Greenpeace volunteers aim to gather even more momentum to the running campaign through this facebook application.

The application is claimed to be first of its kind in India where it pulls the user’s photo from his facebook profile and integrates it into a video. The story of the video runs a narrative where the user stands out to be a hero involved in saving the jungle. Though the concept is innovative, Greenpeace members will hope that it doesn’t shadow the overall message of the exercise. As Greenpeace activist Brikesh Singh puts it, “We hope the larger message stays with the audience that our forests need heroes now more than ever.”

Greenpeace press release on the occasion of the launch reveals a startling fact – “Coal mining in just 13 coalfields in Central India threatens over 1.1 million hectares of forest- that’s almost twice the area of India's top five metros combined. There are over 40 coalfields in Central India and more coal blocks are being lined up for auction, so the area of forest that stands to be destroyed is phenomenal.”

Indian metros are constantly turning into concrete jungle. 2012 has seen a setback in winter temperatures so far in most regions of the country. Rainfalls have depleted and the future forecasts threaten a draught like condition across India. The depleting forests will add up to the worsening condition of climate in the country. Under this backdrop Greenpeace’s campaign holds high importance in involving common man to a crucial issue. It is to be seen now whether the Prime Minister Office that has so far refused to entertain the plea of the international NGO to discard the plan of mining in the forest areas wake up to the call of the public and take notice of the issue.

Effect of Global Warming in India: Capital city Delhi reels under Dengue

Global warming is making the concept of mutation come out of Hollywood movies and scare the population in Indian capital city Delhi, only this time the mutation is happening among Dengue viruses carried by mosquitoes. It must be noted here that the attack of Dengue in Delhi doesn’t come as surprising incident but as per the warnings sent out by World Health Organization (WHO) global warming and climate change will make dengue like vector born diseases more potent.

The number of cases of Dengue has risen alarmingly in the last two years. While the number of deaths in 2010 and 2011 were 110 and 169 respectively, the number has surpassed previous records in 2012. Genetic analysis of the virus have revealed that particularly around Delhi the virus has mutated to serotype 2 which causes a higher mortality chances among the affected patients.

Despite the medical team in Delhi making all efforts to fight back with the latest medical amenities and the Govt. spending on the awareness campaigns to involve people in maintaining proper hygienic surroundings, the mayhem seems obvious in the changing climatic scenario. As per the WHO report on Global warming, the world has warmed by approximately 0.75 degree Celsius in the last 100 years.

It requires more than a single government effort now to take control over the world temperature. A consensus among the political leadership across the world on controlling emission norms as well as a well sensitized population is the need of the hour to save human race from continually evolving menaces of the climatic changes.

West Bengal’s climate action plan: Indian Government gives fast approval

Mamata Banerjee’s demands about bailing the ailing state out of its inherited financial mess may have fallen to deaf ears in the Central Government, but the Union Ministry of Environment did not take much time in approving the action plan proposed by the state government in respect to arrest the deteriorating the worsening climate.

The plan now awaits the sanction of a funding agency for fund allocation and implementation. West Bengal ministry will now be waiting for World Bank, Asian Development Bank or a similar agency to come forward and fund the climate action plan they have put forward.

It may be remembered here that previously World Bank had published a report stating the climate of West Bengal among the most vulnerable to being affected by global warming. As per the study put forward by World Bank areas of Tiljala, Topsia, Tangra and Patuli will be worst hit once the climate changes set forth. It is even more alarming as the report predicts the changes to come to notice as early as 2021 if nothing is done immediately.

The state government of Bengal also deserves applaud to take proactive approach towards the concerning climatic condition of the state. Even when other states are working on an integrated plan of climate control, Mamata Banerjee led government was one of the first states to have submitted and got approved the plan.

It is learned that the plan includes immediate actions required to be taken in areas of Sunderbans, Dooars and Darjeeling to cut down on greenhouse gases. These areas are the most vulnerable points with issues like soil erosion and scarcity of water plaguing the residents.

West Bengal government is already working in coastal areas of Digha, Sankerpur and Mandarmani implementing project approved under funds of Asian Development Bank.

A warm winter so far

If you’re live in the city of Delhi, you would know what the actual meaning of the ‘dilli ki sardi’ is and how it sends a cold shiver down the spine! December weather in Delhi is not just a favorite of the city people but it also attracts foreign tourists, who travel to the capital every year especially in the months of December to go around for a ‘dilli darshan’. But the weather in Delhi has been quite the opposite this year and therefore it won’t be wrong to call this winter not just ‘not so cold’ but a pretty warm winter.

It’s the 19th of December and most of us are still wearing only a thin layer or two and towards the afternoon, which turns warm and sunnier, you feel like taking even that one sweater off! Wondering why? Well it’s all because of the continuous passing of the ‘Western Disturbance’, with very little gap before the second arrives, that does not give time for the temperatures to fall, instead, leads to a rise in the minimums. That’s another reason forecasters can say it’s a ‘no fog situation’ this year. December weather in Delhi till now has seen only shallow fog in pockets in the early morning hours. Fog is related to the humidity levels and wind speed; if the humidity levels are low and wind speed is high, a pattern we saw this winter, fog remains close to zero. And because the fog remains nil, the day temperatures do not fall, skies remain clear and afternoons are hotter in spite of the strong northerly winds from the hills (8knots/18-19kmph). Every winter at least two to three zero visibility/dense fog days in the months of December are experienced (for example: Dec 25th, 26th and 27th in the year 2010 observed a low visibility of below 100meters).

For the coming weeks too, the Skymet Weather  forecasts for December weather in Delhi shows no rain and no significant fog, thereby indicating that weather in Delhi will continue to be warm for the coming few days

Under the current trend, this year may prove to be the 'warmest winter' in the last 2 to 3 years with the December temperatures hovering between 24⁰C maximum (average) and 10.9⁰C minimum (average). However meteorologists at Skymet Weather Services predict that the biting cold winter will begin in Delhi once the New Year sets in. The January 2013 weather in Delhi will experience its usual drop in temperatures. “Our forecast models show temperatures below normal and dense fog hours in January”, says Mahesh Palawat, Head of the forecasting team of Skymet Weather Services.

Photo by Parth Joshi.

 

 

 







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