‘Drought, heatwaves increasing in frequency’ 

‘Drought, heatwaves increasing in frequency’ 

Context:

• Drought and heat waves all together has been engaging several researchers in India.

Why is it in news?

• Analysing rainfall and temperature data of 50 years, researchers have found that:
• the frequency of heatwaves accompanied by drought has increased not only in magnitude but in area too over the past three decades
• While heatwaves and droughts are destructive even when occurring in separate events, their concurrence is far more serious.
• A single extreme event may not be critical, but two extremes occurring at once is much more significant in the distress it causes.

What is the reason behind the phenomena?

• Researchers believe this could be due to the intricate relationship of land surface processes, soil moisture, evapo-transpiration and local climate.
• A spatial analysis reveals the area affected by the twin calamities is starkly increasing.

Conclusion:

• With certain accuracy, these incidents can be predicted.
• This could contribute to policy making and ensure preparedness.
• Both phenomena have a serious bearing on water resources, affecting agriculture and human settlements.