Unusual Spike in Day Temperature Blamed on North Wind Absence
Unusual Weather Phenomenon Explained
An unexpected surge in daytime temperatures has raised concerns among weather observers, with the mercury soaring to 36 degrees Celsius in the capital city, a staggering four degrees above the usual temperature for this time of year.
Simultaneously, nighttime temperatures on the same day measured 27.4 degrees Celsius, marking a 3.5-degree Celsius increase compared to the norm. Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu, the Director of SOA’s Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC), reported these abnormal temperature variations.
Dr. Sahu analyzed temperature records from October between 2019 and 2023, not only in the city but also at SOA's agriculture farm at Chhatabar on the outskirts of the capital. The data revealed a notable temperature difference of 1.5 degrees Celsius, with Chhatabar experiencing lower temperatures.
The deviation from typical weather patterns can be attributed to various factors. One key reason for the unseasonably high daytime temperatures is the absence of dry, cold winds from the north and north-east. This can be traced back to a low-pressure system that moved over Odisha in late September, subsequently shifting towards North Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar. Additionally, cloudburst events over Sikkim in the first week of October have played a role.
During the initial days of October, strong southerly winds from the Bay of Bengal directed moisture-laden air towards North West Bengal and Sikkim. This, in turn, contributed to light to moderate rainfall across Odisha due to a cyclonic circulation and low-pressure systems.
Despite the precipitation, humidity levels remained high, with humidity ranging from 60% to 65%. Cloud cover and humidity together kept daytime temperatures between 30 to 33 degrees Celsius until October 5.
However, as rainfall subsided after October 4, persistent humidity in the lower atmosphere, coupled with lower humidity in the upper atmosphere, resulted in the significant increase in daytime and nighttime temperatures from October 6 onward. Daytime temperatures consistently reached or exceeded 35 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperatures stayed at 27 degrees Celsius or higher.
This unusual trend is anticipated to persist until October 18. Dr. Sahu explained that the elevated humidity in the lower atmosphere hindered rainfall due to the absence of circulation to transport moisture upwards for cloud formation and precipitation. The clear skies allowed solar radiation to penetrate the Earth's surface.
Model predictions indicate a possible shift in wind patterns from October 18, as a cyclonic circulation forms over the southern Bay of Bengal. This change is expected to lead to a decrease in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.
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