Sweating in September: Silchar Records Highest Temperature Ever on Friday

Silchar and its surrounding areas have been experiencing an unprecedented heatwave over the past few days. A particular photo showing the highest temperature in the region went viral on social media on Thursday, highlighting the severe impact of the scorching weather on daily life. The oppressive heat has made it difficult for residents to carry out their regular activities.

On Friday, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority issued a warning via social media, citing an alert from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The warning stated that Assam would see a rise in temperature of around 4-5°C from 19 September onwards, a trend that is expected to continue at least until 25 September.

In response to the ongoing heatwave, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Cachar district issued an order on Friday, 20 September, mandating all schools to start their day earlier at 7:30 AM. This decision aims to mitigate the impact of the extreme temperatures on students and school staff.

Professor Parthankar Choudhury from the Ecology Department at Assam University shared some insights on the current weather conditions. He explained that it is typical for the region to experience hot weather during this season. However, a thermometer at the Cachar College campus recently recorded a staggering 41°C. Professor Choudhury noted that this reading has not been confirmed by any recognised weather centre, such as one available in Assam University.

He pointed out that the high humidity levels are a significant factor contributing to the oppressive heat. “This is the peak of the season, and we can expect the temperature to drop in the coming months,” he said. He compared the situation to cities like Bengaluru, where the weather is currently pleasant due to lower humidity levels, highlighting that humidity is one of the main factors behind the extreme heat in Silchar.

Professor Choudhury also drew parallels with a similar heatwave in 2007, when Silchar experienced similarly high temperatures. He warned that the current conditions pose serious health risks, especially for people with high blood pressure, advising them to stay indoors as much as possible, even in the evenings when the temperature remains high.

To combat the heat, he recommended staying hydrated, drinking plenty of water, and consuming juicy fruits. “A simple lemonade made with lemons, some sugar, and a pinch of salt can be very refreshing and help maintain electrolyte balance,” he suggested.

Reflecting on how things have changed over the years, Professor Choudhury observed that it has become a regular practice for schools to adjust their timings due to the heat. “In the past, this wasn’t necessary. Not many people owned air conditioners back then, except for a few restaurants and affluent households. Now, many homes have ACs,” he remarked.

He pointed out that regional fluctuations in temperature are also a result of climate change and global warming. He explained that air conditioners, while providing temporary relief, contribute to the problem by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, along with the pollution from vehicles. “The heat is now so intense that even air conditioners are struggling to keep up. Reports from Kolkata suggest that ACs are failing to cool homes effectively, and the same is now being observed in our city,” he added.

Professor Choudhury stressed that global warming has a significant impact on the current weather patterns. “We only think about global warming when we face extreme weather conditions, such as excessive rainfall or extreme heat. Otherwise, the issue is largely forgotten,” he lamented. He emphasised that people tend to develop a sort of ‘amnesia’ regarding global warming, only recalling its dangers when they are confronted with severe consequences.

Although human activities like the use of vehicles and air conditioners contribute to global warming, Professor Choudhury suggested that a change in perspective can help mitigate the situation. “We need to prioritise afforestation. If we start planting more trees today, we will see a positive change in the next 10 years. We have to plan for the future. While there is no immediate solution to this issue, what is certain is that we still have a future. We must work to make that future safer by planting trees now,” he urged.

As Silchar and its neighbouring areas grapple with this intense heatwave, it is clear that both immediate and long-term measures are needed to protect the community and address the underlying issue of climate change.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Silchar has faced unusual weather patterns. In December 2023, when the town typically enjoys a cool, pleasant climate, the temperature soared unexpectedly high on one particular day. Fans were running at full speed, and people were seen complaining about the unseasonal heat. Such weather anomalies during a time of the year when residents anticipate a chill in the air rather than heat serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of our changing climate and the urgent need to address the factors contributing to these shifts.