SHILLONG, Sep 22: Meghalaya is witnessing an unprecedented surge in temperatures this September, with maximum temperature soaring to 29.9 degrees Celsius in Shillong on Sunday, the highest-ever recorded in Shillong for the month of September.
The IMD said it will confirm the details from its national data centre on Monday.
Sohra witnessed a maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees while Umiam recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees on the day.
Sunday’s maximum of 29.9 degrees for Shillong is reportedly the second highest temperature ever recorded for the capital city after the 30.2 degrees Celsius record in April 1973.
What is more startling is the fact that the state is not receiving rainfall which is quite unusual for the month of September.
On Saturday, Shillong had recorded a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius while Sohra recorded 31.7 degrees. The temperature recorded for Umiam was 33.9 degrees.
The readings for Friday were 28.8 degrees for Shillong, 31.1 degrees for Sohra and 33.7 degrees for Umiam.
While the heat has left many residents puzzled, it is far from unexpected. Climate models and studies have long warned of such changes, projecting a warming trend for the Northeast region of India, including Meghalaya, in the coming decades.
A study by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP), a Bengaluru-based think tank, foretold this shift in its report, “District-Level Changes in Climate: Historical Climate and Climate Change Projections for the Northeastern States of India.”
The study analysed climate trends from 1990 to 2019 and projected temperature increases in the region until 2050. As per the report, summer maximum temperatures in Meghalaya are expected to rise by 1-1.5 degrees Celsius C under moderate emission scenarios (RCP 4.5) and by 1-2 degree under high-emission scenarios (RCP 8.5). The current heat wave fits within these projections, indicating that higher temperatures may become a norm rather than an anomaly.
The study also noted that the number of high-intensity rainfall events would rise alongside increasing temperatures.
Meghalaya, known for its lush greenery and cool climate, is expected to experience more frequent extreme weather events, heavy rains coupled with hotter summers and milder winters.
According to the CSTEP report, high-intensity rainfall days could increase by as much as 416 days annually under the moderate emissions scenario and by 476 days under the high emissions scenario by the 2030s.
While the warmer weather may appear manageable in the short term, its long-term impacts could be far-reaching. Extreme heat can exacerbate existing infrastructure challenges, affect agriculture, and increase water demand.
For a state reliant on rainfall for agriculture, inconsistent weather patterns and extended dry spells could affect crop yield and food security in Meghalaya. Additionally, rising temperatures may worsen water scarcity in some districts, already grappling with erratic monsoon patterns.
The warming trend also brings concerns for public health. Higher temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Longer periods of heat stress may also place a strain on energy resources as demand for cooling solutions rises, potentially leading to power shortages.
Moreover, the changes in climate are expected to amplify existing environmental challenges, particularly related to land management. With heavier rains anticipated, soil erosion and landslides could become more frequent, threatening both urban and rural landscapes.
The CSTEP report has urged Northeastern states, including Meghalaya, to integrate these climate projections into their State Action Plans on Climate Change. The study recommends climate risk assessments that account for hazards like rising temperatures, heavier rainfall, and vulnerability to extreme events. It also calls for improved infrastructure resilience and early warning systems to mitigate the effects of heat waves and flash floods.
As climate models continue to predict warming trends and shifts in rainfall patterns, the record-breaking temperature this September serves as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat.
