In early spring 2022, a series of intense heatwaves swept across South Asia, affecting nations such as India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. A study released on April 8, 2025, by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany, provides new insights into why these extreme weather events occurred consecutively. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, identifies distinct atmospheric conditions driving the heatwaves in March and April of that year.
According to Roshan Jha, the lead author and a PhD student at IIT Bombay’s Centre for Climate Studies, the March 2022 heatwave was chiefly due to an increase in the amplitude of short-lived atmospheric Rossby waves. These large-scale meanders in high-altitude winds are similar to bends in a winding river. During this period, energy transfer occurred from the polar extratropical jet stream to the subtropical jet stream closer to the equator, intensifying the heatwave.
The following month’s heatwave presented a different scenario. Arpita Mondal, co-author and Associate Professor at IIT Bombay, explained that it was largely driven by severely dry soil conditions and the influx of heat from northwestern regions, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. Significantly, she noted, the dry conditions were exacerbated by March’s heat, which had already depleted soil moisture due to the high temperatures and clear skies. Mondal emphasized, “This research reveals a concerning pattern: one heatwave can set the stage for another, more intense heat event in the following weeks by removing moisture from the soil. When soil becomes too dry, it makes the next heatwave worse.”
This cyclical nature of heatwaves, where one event precipitates another, illustrates the challenges of predicting and managing climate phenomena in regions already vulnerable to extreme weather. Subimal Ghosh, convener of the Centre for Climate Studies at IIT Bombay, underscored the importance of understanding these processes. He stated, “As climate change continues to affect atmospheric wind patterns, identifying these specific drivers helps us better predict and mitigate the impacts of future heatwaves.”
The study has significant implications for forecasting and preparing for similar events in the future, particularly as global climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable. The collaboration included contributions from Professor Volkmar Wirth and Dr. Christopher Polster at the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz’s Institute for Atmospheric Physics, further fortifying the study’s rigor.
For a region already grappling with severe weather challenges, this research is a crucial step towards building resilience against future heatwaves. By enhancing prediction models and understanding the influence of soil moisture and atmospheric conditions, South Asian countries can develop better strategies to cope with these extreme climate patterns.
As discussions on climate change and its myriad effects continue, the study serves as a reminder of the complexities at play and the vital need for ongoing research and adaptation strategies. Understanding and addressing these issues not only aids affected regions but also contributes to global knowledge on managing and mitigating climate change impacts.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/study-finds-high-altitude-winds-and-dry-soil-conditions-caused-heatwaves-in-2022/article69453936.ece
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2025-04-16 10:01:00
