Islam et al. (2026) Assessment of urbanization's impact on 2020 extreme and prolonged heatwave episodes over Northwest Indian cities

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Identification

• Journal: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-08-16
• Authors: Sahidul Islam, Anandakumar Karipot, Rohini Lakshman Bhawar, P. C. Sinha, Sumita Kedia, Ketaki Belange, Krishna Kishore Osuri, Manoj Kumar Khare
• DOI: 10.1002/qj.70282

Research Groups

• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
• Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

Short Summary

This study analyzed a prolonged heatwave event in northwest Indian cities using in-situ observations, reanalysis data, and high-resolution WRF model products. The findings highlight the role of urbanization in exacerbating extreme heat conditions.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of urbanization on heatwave duration and intensity in northwest Indian cities

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Northwest India (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra)
• Temporal Scale: May 24 to May 28, 2020

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model
• Data sources: In-situ observations, reanalysis data (e.g., ERA5)

Main Results

• The WRF model simulated the evolution of surface air temperature, relative humidity, winds, and heatwave duration fairly well.
• Urban areas experienced nighttime intensification of heatwaves (˜3–7°C) due to urban heat island effects.
• Weaker winds and prolonged presence of heat domes contributed to extreme heat conditions.

Contributions

• This study provides valuable insights into the impact of urbanization on heatwave duration and intensity, which can inform urban planning and policy decisions.

Funding

• Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (Project Code: DST/ICPR/2020)

Citation

@article{Islam2026Assessment,
  author = {Islam, Sahidul and Karipot, Anandakumar and Bhawar, Rohini Lakshman and Sinha, P. C. and Kedia, Sumita and Belange, Ketaki and Osuri, Krishna Kishore and Khare, Manoj Kumar},
  title = {Assessment of urbanization's impact on 2020 extreme and prolonged heatwave episodes over Northwest Indian cities},
  journal = {Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1002/qj.70282},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.70282}
}