The sun has started its northward journey and will cross the celestial equator around 21st March. On this day, known as the March equinox or the vernal equinox, the plane of Earth's equator passes the centre of the Sun and the Sun is at its zenith over the Equator. Peninsular India generally does not come under the plethora of flight delays in India. But during the month of March, this region faces some aviation hazards which might not lead to delays but probably diversion of flights.
Aviation hazards in March
Come the month of March and the interiors of peninsular India will witness maximums rising to even 38°C. Temperatures will be in mid-thirties in most of the places close to the equator. With temperature and humidity already available, an off shore trough or any other weather system can trigger thunderstorm as well. As the land temperature rises, the pressure gradient above the land and sea increases. Subsequently, the sea breeze becomes more prominent during this season.
Fog in South India might sound quite astonishing but sea fog in the coming season is a common phenomenon. On either side of the tropic of cancer in several coastal stations like Gopalpur, Balasore and Paradip, low clouds give rise to sea fog. This fog in the early morning hours remains for a short duration and clears away quickly but causes major aviation hazards. Few places in the inland like Kharagpur also has to bear the brunt of sea fog.
The above mentioned features are short-lived yet can have disastrous consequences. Pilots are generally informed about the visibility conditions and the only solution is to avoid the region witnessing thunderstorm or fog.
Click here to know about aviation hazards in North India, in the month of March.
