EXPLAINER: Tropic of Cancer, dry winds or rocky ground? 5 real reasons behind record breaking heat in Banda

Banda Heat Fatal: Banda district of Uttar Pradesh is currently a topic of discussion. The reason for this is the scorching heat in the area which has broken all the old records. In the last 8-10 days, Banda has been the hottest city not only in India but in the entire world. This time the temperature here has crossed 47 degrees. Heat is not a new thing in Bundelkhand, but the heat it is experiencing this time is usually seen in Churu, Rajasthan.

This heat wave in Banda has further increased the already existing problems of the local people. Apart from this, meteorologists are constantly trying to understand what is the real reason behind this problem and how it can be dealt with. Let us tell you what is the reason for this record breaking heat in Banda? And how can one avoid the scorching heat?

Heat breaks old records in Banda

Banda district is located in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. This area is already known for its record-breaking heat and drought, but this time the situation is difficult and different than before. In recent days, the temperature here has crossed 46 to 47 degrees Celsius. In April itself, the minimum temperature here had reached 31 degrees, which made it clear that the situation could be worrying.

Meteorologist Dr. Dinesh Sah of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology has expressed apprehension that the temperature may increase further in May and June. At present, the scorching heat of 46 to 47 degrees Celsius has completely disrupted life in the area. Be it day or night, people are unable to get relief from the heat. The situation is so bad that people have stopped leaving their homes in the afternoon. The administration has also appealed to the people not to go out in the afternoon.

Why is it so hot in Banda?

According to experts, hot and dry winds coming from the west are the main reason for the rise in temperature. Apart from this, the hot winds rising from below in the troposphere are not able to go up, due to which the heat remains near the ground. Also, the weather that remains clear most of the time in this area is also responsible for the scorching heat. According to experts, due to clear sky and lack of clouds in this area, the sun’s rays fall directly on the earth, which is a major reason for the rapid increase in temperature.

Apart from this, the geographical position of Banda is also responsible for the heat in the area. Banda is situated near the Tropic of Cancer. Where the sun’s rays hit the strongest and longest. Also the soil here is dry and lacks moisture. Besides, there is lack of trees and plants in most of the areas of Bundelkhand, apart from this, due to the rocky surface on the ground, the area gets hot quickly and takes more time to cool down than other areas.

In which areas of India there is extreme heat?

Talking about the hot places of India, according to statistics, Phalodi of Rajasthan is considered to be the hottest area of ​​India. The maximum temperature here reached 51 degrees in May 2016. However, the maximum temperature of Banda has reached 47.6 degrees. But even after this it has attracted everyone’s attention.

Talking about the temperature during summer season in Banda in the last five years, on average it has been around 45 degrees Celsius. This time the temperature remained between 44 to 47 degrees in the last 10 days. However, the lockdown imposed in the meantime has definitely brought some relief to the people.

Condition of other districts of Bundelkhand

Talking about the rest of the districts of Bundelkhand, there are Hamirpur, Mahoba, Chitrakoot and Prayagraj districts around Banda. But this time it is extremely hot here too. Sriganganagar, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer of Rajasthan are also included in the extremely hot areas. Apart from this, Titlagarh of Odisha and Akola of Maharashtra are also counted among the hot areas.

History of drought in Banda

Drought is a big problem in Bundelkhand. Banda also has a drought affected district. There were severe droughts in 1991, 1992, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Which had created a big problem for the farmers of the area. The government is continuously trying to manage the situation by running many schemes in this area, but there has been no significant change in the situation, drought is seen here every 3-4 years.

How do people defend themselves?

To avoid the scorching heat, people go out during the day by covering themselves and do not go out of the house unnecessarily. The advisories issued by the administration are also followed. Experts recommend drinking water every half hour. Additionally, ORS, glucose, buttermilk, lemon water or coconut water can also provide relief from heat. People in areas with extreme heat should stay away from tea, coffee and alcohol.

Heat wave threat and rain situation in the area

There were about 455 deaths due to heat wave in India last year. Health problems and deaths due to heat waves are reported every year in areas like Banda, however, official figures are often underreported.

Apart from this, less rainfall in Banda is also a major reason for the heat. The average annual rainfall here is between 850 to 902 mm, of which about 80% of the rainfall occurs in the south-west monsoon between June and September.

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Administration’s preparation to deal with the heat

According to Banda DM Amit Aseri, the administration is taking all necessary steps to deal with the heat in the district. An awareness campaign is being run by the administration to deal with the heat in the district. Special arrangements have been made for children and the elderly. Apart from this, school timings have been changed and pews are being arranged in public places. Apart from this, the government has appealed to the people not to go out in the sun between 12 noon to 4 pm. Besides, it has also been asked to arrange water for the animals and birds, so that they can also escape from this scorching heat.