New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert in several states of the Indian peninsula over the next few days. The weather department has also predicted rainfall in several northeastern states.
According to IMD, severe heatwave conditions will likely prevail in isolated pockets over West Bengal over the next four days. Similar heatwave conditions would also affect Karnataka over the next four days, Odisha on April 25 and April 26, Uttar Pradesh until April 26, Bihar from April 24 to April 26, and Jharkhand on April 25 and April 26.
While climate fluctuations pose a growing threat to agriculture, this year has presented a curious case. Apples, walnuts, and grapes are experiencing a boom, while apricots, plums, pears, and almonds face unexpected challenges.
Unusually warm winters have disrupted the natural chilling period required by some fruit trees. Apricots, plums, and pears typically need a certain number of cold hours to initiate proper flowering and fruit set. Without this chilling, these trees may bloom erratically, leading to lower yields and misshapen fruit. Almonds, another chill-dependent crop, are also feeling the pinch, with reduced flower and nut production.
On the flip side, the milder winter has benefited apples, walnuts, and grapes. Warmer temperatures have extended the growing season for apples, allowing them to develop more vibrant colors and potentially sweeter flavors. Walnuts are thriving as well, with less frost damage to buds and potentially higher yields. Grapes are another winner, with the extended season allowing for a longer ripening period, which can enhance sugar content and overall grape quality.
“In the current situation, climate fluctuations had a favorable effect on Apples, Walnuts and Grapes while having a negative effect on Apricots, Plums, Pears and Almonds”, informed IMD on X.
The IMD press release says, “A cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Assam and another over northeast Bangladesh in lower tropospheric levels.” Thus, under the influence of such weather systems, the following weather conditions would prevail.
Light to moderate rainfall or snowfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are likely over Arunachal Pradesh until April 28. The states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura would also witness scattered rain over the same time duration.
The weather department notes light to moderate rainfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over West Bengal and Sikkim until April 24 and Odisha and Jharkhand on April 23.
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