Vizag facing hotter days, reduced night-time cooling: Study

Visakhapatnam: A recent study by researchers from Andhra University College of Engineering and IIIT Kottayam has found that Visakhapatnam is facing two major climate-related problems –rising temperatures in industrial areas and increasingly unpredictable rainfall across the city. Using 30 years of weather data from 1990 to 2019, the researchers used a SARIMA-GIS model to predict climate trends up to 2028. The study identified Gajuwaka, the steel plant area and the airport region as major climate hotspots, where temperatures and heat retention are expected to increase due to dense construction, industrial activity and shrinking green cover. In contrast, rural areas such as Padmanabham were found to be relatively cooler.The study found that both maximum and minimum temperatures in the city are steadily rising. Summer temperatures are expected to reach between 35.6°C and 37°C in the coming years. At present, Visakhapatnam records around 34°C to 36°C during peak summer. Researchers also expressed concern over rising night-time temperatures, which are expected to touch 27.1°C to 28.1°C. This means the city may not cool down properly after sunset, especially in densely built-up areas. This phenomenon is known as the urban heat island effect, where concrete structures and roads retain heat for longer periods.The study also warned about erratic rainfall patterns between 2019 and 2028. According to the projections, the city may witness alternating periods of excess rainfall and below-normal rain, increasing the chances of both water shortages and flash floods. The highest rainfall is expected during the 2027 monsoon season, with monthly rainfall projected between 135 mm and 158 mm.Researchers said sudden and intense rainfall could severely affect poorly drained urban areas and increase the risk of waterlogging. They stressed the need for better local stormwater management systems in vulnerable parts of the city. While humidity levels are expected to remain mostly stable between 74% and 78% by 2028, the combination of high humidity and rising temperatures could make conditions more uncomfortable, especially in industrial zones. The study said this could increase heat stress for workers and residents in these areas.The research was conducted by Anju Yajjala, Rajeswari Erasala, Murali Krishna Gurram and Siva Parvati Injam from Andhra University College of Engineering and IIIT Kottayam. The study was published in Discover Hazards.The study findings show that climate change is already affecting the city at the local level. Over the last three decades, the expansion of concrete structures, industries and built-up areas has reduced greenery and increased heat retention, while also making the city more vulnerable to sudden heavy rainfall.