Minimum Temperatures Rising Faster Than Maximum Temperatures

Minimum Temperatures are Rising Faster than Maximum Temperatures 

Context :  IMD data showed that minimum temperatures across many regions of India are rising faster than maximum temperatures.

Key Highlights:

• Warm nights reduce recovery from daytime heat stress and increase health risks.
• Urban Heat Island effect and climate change worsen rising night temperatures.
• Higher night temperatures affect agriculture, sleep quality and labour productivity.
• Several regions recorded above-normal minimum temperatures despite near-normal daytime temperatures.

Key Facts:

1.     IMD currently uses the 1991–2020 climatological baseline.
2.     Heatwaves are generally declared based on maximum temperature anomalies.
3.     Urban Heat Island effect makes urban areas warmer than surrounding rural regions.
4.     Rising night temperatures are considered an indicator of climate change.