Signs of warmer summers, winters in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Vishakhapatanam: A research by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) has projected a scenario of warmer summers, winters and frequent rain, as part of climate change, in the Telugu states –AP and TS -- in next three decades, up until 2050. This is compared to the historical 30 years from 1991.

East Godavari would experience an increase in heatwaves. The study, under the head, ‘Southern States of India Set for Warmer Winters, Heavier and More Frequent Rainfall’, aims at enabling state governments integrate information into state action plans on Climate Change and institute climate risk assessments.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, CSTEP sector head (for climate, environment and sustainability) Indu Murthy, said, “Climate change resulting from an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions is reason for the projected changes in temperature and rainfall. The study covered all the five southern states -- AP, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.”

About Andhra Pradesh’s climate, Murthy said that during the past 30 years from 1991, the temperature increased by 0.04°C to 0.22°C during summer and 0.3°C to 0.52°C during winter. However, in the next 30 years till 2050, the temperature is likely to increase by up to 1.5°C during summer and up to 2°C during winter.

As for rainfall, in the Kharif (June to September) season, this is projected to increase by 13 per cent to 34 per cent. Districts like Prakasam, Kadapa and Nellore might see a 30 to 34 per cent increase. During Rabi (October to December), the rainfall is projected to increase by 6 per cent to 45 per cent. In East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna districts, the increase would be of 30 to 45 per cent.

As for Telangana, the temperature increased by 0.06°C to 0.3°C during summer and 0.05°C to 0.15°C during winter in the last three decades. By year 2050, the temperature is projected to increase by up to 2°C during summer as well as winter.

The Kharif rainfall is projected to increase by 5 to 24 per cent. In Narayanpet, Vikarabad, Kamareddy, Medak, Nirmal, Peddapall, Jagatial, Mancherial, Mahabubnagar districts, the increase would be of 20 to 24 per cent.

In Rabi, the rainfall is projected to increase by 9 to 46 per cent in Telangana.

Projected Climate Change till 2050

Andhra Pradesh

- Temperature increase up to 1.5 degree C in summer and 2 degree C in winter

- Kharif rainfall increase by 13 to 34 per cent in state

- Rabi rainfall increase by 6 to 45 per cent

Telangana

- Temperature increases by up to2°C during summer as well as winter.

- Kharif rainfall increase by 5 to 24 per cent

- Rabi rainfall increase by 9 to 46 per cent.