Here are the top weather, environment and science stories of the week.
Space
Chandrayaan-3 Likely to Take off by November 2020
Undeterred by the failure in the first attempt, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning yet another mission to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. The space agency has begun preparations on Chandrayaan-3 with a deadline of November 2020. Full story here.
Chandrayaan-2: ISRO Releases Initial Results of 3D Mapping of Moon’s Surface
On Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released spectacular three-dimensional (3D) images from the Moon's surface, including the pictures of a crater and a ridge. The derived information from these images can help scientists to estimate the dimensions of different surface features of the Moon. Read more here.
Photos of Mercury's Transit Across Sun
On Monday, November 11, Mercury was visible during its transit across the sun. This rare celestial event only occurs about 13 times a century, according to NASA. Photos taken on Monday show a tiny black shadow on the left side of the sun. Take a look at these fantastic pictures, here.
Pollution
Punjab Set to Surpass 2018 Stubble Burning Count
The stubble-burning count in the state of Punjab this year is already close to surpassing the number of incidents recorded during the entirety of 2018, according to data released from Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC). On Sunday, November 10, the daily count stood at 2,147. More details here.
Delhi Air Re-enters ‘Severe Plus’; Substantial Improvement Likely Over Weekend
Air quality in Delhi has once again deteriorated to the ‘severe plus’ or ‘emergency’ category, as the city recorded an overall AQI of 552 on Friday, November 15. However, with wind speeds all set to increase, pollution levels are expected to drop from Saturday onwards. More on the capital's air quality, here.
Weather
Estimates Suggest Damages Worth ₹19,000 Crore Due to Cyclone Bulbul in West Bengal
Cyclone Bulbul, which claimed more than thirty lives and affected lakhs of people in India and Bangladesh, appears to have taken a huge financial toll as well. Initial estimates suggest that the storm caused a loss worth around ₹15,000 to ₹19,000 crores in West Bengal alone. More details here.
After Witnessing Wettest November on Record, Mumbai Set for Dry, Sunny Days Ahead
Under the influence of Cyclone Maha, Mumbai's Santacruz monitoring station recorded more than 110 mm rainfall within the first ten days of November. This extremely rare rain spell made November 2019 the rainiest November on record for Mumbai. Now, sunny days are set to dominate the rest of the month. Continue reading here.
958 Villages in Rajasthan Declared ‘Severely Drought-affected’
Even though Rajasthan as a whole received 40% excess rainfall during the monsoon season this year, many parts of the state are still reeling under a long term drought. An official statement released by the Rajasthan government this week declared as many as 1388 villages from 13 different tehsils drought-affected. More details here.
Number of Cyclones Over North Indian Ocean Increased by 32% in Past Five Years
The number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal has increased by 32% in the last five years, according to the data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Compared to previous decades, the last ten years have also seen an 11% rise in these extreme occurrences. More on this here.
Hailstorms Over Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat; More Rains Forecast
Residents of Rajasthan and Gujarat were in for a surprise this week, as many parts in the region witnessed nonseasonal rains and hailstorms on Wednesday and Thursday. These conditions are a result of the cyclonic circulation situated over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining neighbourhood. Full story here.
Environment
More Than 1000 Migratory Birds Found Dead at Rajasthan’s Sambhar Salt Lake
In a shocking episode, more than 1,000 migratory birds were found dead under mysterious circumstances at Rajasthan's Sambhar Salt Lake on Monday, November 11. While the carcasses were immediately buried, officials sent samples of the birds' visceral remains to the forensic science laboratory in Bhopal. Read more here.
International
Venice 'On Its Knees' in Record Flooding
In view of the flooding that has devastated the city of Venice, Italy's prime minister announced a national state of emergency on Thursday evening. Some 85% of Venice has been flooded at levels not seen since a historic inundation in 1966. Take a look at all the pictures of the ancient, flooded city, here.
Catastrophic Fire Danger Prompts Australia to Declare 7-Day State of Emergency
With wildfire risk already at the highest level possible, officials in New South Wales on Monday declared a state of emergency in Australia's most populous state. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said residents were facing what "could be the most dangerous bushfire week this nation has ever seen." Continue reading here.
Prince Charles Visits IMD; Praises Its Weather Advisory Services
Britain's Prince Charles, during his two-day visit to India to celebrate the British-Indian connections, paid a visit to the India Meteorological Department on Wednesday, November 13. His Highness especially complimented IMD’s Met Centre in New Delhi for providing advisory services to other countries. More details on his visit here.
