Weather scientists are grappling with the perplexing alterations occurring in the pattern of summer temperatures during the month of June.
A recent study reveals that temperatures in 29 districts of central Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bundelkhand have been consistently rising to such an extent that mercury readings, typically observed at noon, are now being recorded in the morning hours of June for the past three years.
Mohd Danish, in-charge of the Meteorological Office in Lucknow, explains, “Due to elevated night temperatures in several districts of eastern UP, the populace begins to experience the heat’s intensity as early as 9 a.m., which is typically felt in the afternoon.”
June has witnessed a noticeable shift in the time when temperatures begin to rise.
Weather scientists from CS Azad University for Agriculture and Technology state that this alteration, combined with high temperature and moisture levels, is disrupting the life cycles of insects.
“We are now observing insects in May and June that were previously unseen, particularly those attracted to light. Consequently, the timing of fruit and vegetable ripening is being affected,” adds the scientists.
Alok Dhawan, Director of the Centre of Biomedical Research dedicated to patient care, emphasizes that rising temperatures undeniably impact the life cycles of insects.
“The temperature fluctuations since last November have been surprising, but the changes witnessed in May and June are worrisome and warrant further understanding, considering the future,” remarks Dr. S.N. Sunil Pandey, principal weather scientist at the university.
Dr. Pandey further notes that strangely, both the maximum and minimum temperatures in May were below normal.
He explains that the temperature gradually rises from morning until it reaches its peak between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., after which it begins to subside.
“In the past three years, we have observed that the temperature we should typically expect at 12 p.m. is now being recorded at 9 a.m. While such a shift is normal during the monsoon, it is quite disturbing for it to occur in May and June,” he concludes.