Heat Waves Cause Economic Slowdown

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the biggest contributor to global warming; its concentration in the atmosphere has soared by 48% between 1750 to 2020

- Soumen Ganguly

Contributors to global warming

Like glass in a greenhouse, CO2, methane, nitrous oxide and other gases trap the sun's heat, causing less warmth to return to space. The prevailing heat is caused by a lack of moisture incursions from the Bay of Bengal and westerly and north westerly dry winds. While the dry heat may be tolerable for most people, senior citizens and children are most vulnerable to heat strokes in this weather. As Kolkata is nearer to the sea it experiences moderate changes in temperature from summer to winter.

Heatwave situation

Heatwaves have refused to loosen their grip over East India, having prevailed over Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar for the last few days. In fact, the weather situation may be about to intensify further, before it can begin to improve later. The IMD declares a heatwave when the local temperature is expected to cross 40°C and simultaneously rise 5°C to 6°C above the region's normal temperature. A severe heatwave is issued when the mercury is likely to surpass the average by 7°C or more.