The year 2016 saw the second hottest December in the last 10 years in Coimbatore. The data available with the Agro Climatic Research Centre says that the maximum temperature in December 2016 was 29.9 degree Celsius, which was next only to December 2012’s 30.5 degree Celsius.
There was no corresponding increase in the minimum temperature, though, as in 2015 and 2014, it was over 21 degree Celsius.
The Centre takes the maximum temperature recorded during the day’s highest and the minimum as the lowest.
The Centre’s Head of the Department S. Panneerselvam says that though there has been a gradual increase in temperature in December from 28.6 degree Celsius in 2006 to 29.9 degree Celsius in 2016, it cannot not be simply assumed that it was due to global warming or other reasons.
In climate study, there is an annual variation that takes place. And this is natural. If the variation is stark and pronounced for very many days or weeks, then it is a cause for concern. In Coimbatore’s case it is not so.
Climate study also allows for a cycle of extreme events - flood, cyclone or drought. If a region suffers too much flood, frequent cyclone or continuous drought, then it is a cause for concern. In this case, it is not so, he reiterates.
As for north-east monsoon, there has been a deficit - more than 50 per cent. The district ought to receive 306 mm during the monsoon season - October to December - but this year it has received a little over 135 mm.
The Indian Meteorological Department has not officially closed the monsoon season and therefore there is hope, he adds.
