urban heat

White or reflective paint is more effective at cooling cities than covering roofs in solar panels or greenery, scientists say, and could offer some relief on extremely hot summer days. Covering roofs in greenery had a "negligible" impact on temperatures, it found, though could offer other benefits like better water draining and habitats for wildlife.

In response to Uttar Pradesh's extreme heat, officials advocate rejuvenating water bodies and adopting vertical city growth to mitigate rising temperatures. At the "Workshop on Uttar Pradesh Urban Cooling Policy," experts highlighted the need for a holistic approach to address the severe heat impacting both urban residents and wildlife.

Delhiites are facing a relentless and harsh summer in New Delhi as the scorching heat persists with no relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heatwaves, defining them as when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. Warm nights, with temperatures well above normal, add to the discomfort for residents.

Delhi govt sets yearly plantation goal of 64 lakh trees for 2024-25. Experts question efficacy due to uneven green cover in different city areas.

Kolkata is enduring high temperatures and humidity levels before the monsoon, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. The city's built-up area expansion has reduced greenery and water bodies, contributing to the heat issue.

Hot winds from Rajasthan impact Delhi's temperature. urban heat island effect is reduced by increasing green cover. Delhi has 23% green cover, unevenly distributed. Experts suggest zonal plans for green plantations.

NIT Trichy study in Hyderabad found areas with high temperatures also had elevated CO, NO2, O3, HCHO, aerosols, and SO2 levels. Urgent urban planning interventions are needed to address health risks and mitigate urban heat.

IIT Hyderabad study examines heat disparities in Hyderabad's housing settlements. Variations in temperatures are observed in low-income urban slums like Singareni Colony and Bholakpur. Different house structures influence heat retention and exposure, impacting vulnerable communities.

Pune faced extreme heat in April, setting temperature records since 2013. The city's high nighttime temperatures, influenced by urban heat island effects and climate change, led to discomfort, prompting concerns about the impact on residents and the need for proactive measures.

No surprises here: South remains seat of apathy while North stays on top

Climate change amplified a severe heat wave across the Southwestern US, Mexico, and Central America, making it 35 times more likely. Record-breaking temperatures caused at least 125 deaths, highlighting growing climate-related inequalities. This event underscores the rising frequency of extreme heat due to human activities like burning fossil fuels.

Delhi's Mungeshpur area recorded a historic temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius, marking the highest this season. The India Meteorological Department issued heatwave warnings for several northern states.

Amid India's scorching summer, women across rural and urban areas endure severe heat stress, impacting their health and incomes disproportionately. From Delhi to rural Chhattisgarh, extreme temperatures exacerbate existing hardships, affecting livelihoods in sectors like waste picking and agriculture, while amplifying health risks like dehydration and exhaustion, especially for marginalized communities.

Unable to cope with rising heat, dehydrated avians are falling out of the sky. But some Bird Samaritans are doing their bit.