Minimum temperatures are rising faster than maximum, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• In April 2026, many parts of India experienced maximum temperatures near normal, while minimum temperatures were significantly above normal.
• Delhi's Safdarjung station recorded minimum temperatures 2.2 degrees Celsius above average, while maximum temperatures were 0.3 degrees Celsius below average.
• Punjab's maximum temperatures averaged 1 degree Celsius below normal, but minimum temperatures were 2.4 degrees Celsius above the state average.
• Chaparmukh in Assam and Phulbani in Odisha had the highest deviations from normal minimum temperatures, exceeding their baselines by 5.5 and 5.1 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Detailed Insights:

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a 30-year baseline (1991-2020) to determine normal temperatures, as per World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards.
• Warmer minimum temperatures prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat, leading to compounded heat stress.
• High night-time temperatures can force plants to burn energy, potentially causing stunted growth, as warned by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WMO.
• While maximum temperatures in central and western India were close to or below normal, minimum temperatures showed a greater increase across the country.
• Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana experienced the most days with maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Maximum Temperature: The highest temperature recorded during a day.
• Minimum Temperature: The lowest temperature recorded during a day.
• Heat Stress: The strain on the body caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.