Month: June 2025

In the heart of Mehrauli, South Delhi, an ancient reservoir is finding new life. Hauz-i-Shamsi, built in 1230 CE by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate, has been restored by local residents, turning this forgotten water body into a natural climate buffer and a sanctuary for birds. For years, this medieval lake near Jahaz Mahal stood neglected filled with garbage, choked by weeds, and fed by dirty wastewater. Residents like Zaida Zehra, who moved to the area 18 years ago, remember the frustration of seeing the lake become a mosquito-infested drain. “We felt helpless watching our beautiful talab die,” she said. But change began in 2023 when the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) partnered with SEEDS India, a non-profit working on ecological solutions. Together with Meh...

  India southwest monsoon is moving fast this year and is likely to reach Delhi by June 22-23, earlier than its usual arrival, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The monsoon began early in Kerala on May 24, spreading quickly across central Maharashtra and the northeast. However, it briefly stalled in late May before picking up again in early June. This delay contributed to severe heatwave conditions in parts of the country due to a lack of rainfall. The early arrival of the monsoon is seen as a good sign for Indian agriculture and water supply, offering hope to farmers and regions that rely on monsoon rains for crop planting and replenishing reservoirs. However, experts note that an early start does not guarantee higher total rainfall for the season. E...

The monsoon has revived in Maharashtra, bringing widespread heavy rainfall across several regions, including Mumbai. After a brief lull, intense showers returned from Friday onward, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued rain activity until at least June 18. Mumbai witnessed renewed showers over the weekend, with the Santacruz observatory recording 19 mm and the Colaba station registering 34 mm of rainfall between Saturday and Sunday morning. A yellow alert has been issued for the city, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to persist until Tuesday morning. The IMD has also raised a red alert for the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall on Monday. An orange alert remains in place for these regions un...

As the global demand for technology rises, the cumulative impact of electrical gadgets on indoor and outdoor temperatures is becoming a significant but often overlooked factor in urban climate dynamics. While large-scale contributors to global warming such as industries, automobiles, and air conditioners are well known, the smaller yet widespread heat emissions from daily-use electronics also add considerably to the environmental thermal load. Devices like laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, and televisions continuously release heat during operation. A typical laptop emits between 15 and 45 watts of heat when used, and in an office with around 50 employees, this translates to approximately 2.25 kilowatts—equivalent to a small room heater operating throughout working hours. Smartphon...

Fireflies, once a common sight lighting up summer nights, are rapidly disappearing from landscapes worldwide, prompting warnings from researchers that the current generation may be the last to witness their enchanting glow. Fireflies, scientifically classified under the Lampyridae family, include over 2,000 species known for their bioluminescent displays used primarily during mating rituals. Their soft, glowing light has long fascinated humans and holds cultural significance in regions such as Japan, where dedicated parks protect their habitats. However, these remarkable insects are now facing severe survival threats. Habitat loss remains one of the primary factors driving their decline. Fireflies thrive in damp woodlands, marshes, and wetlands, where their larvae develop beneath soi...

The monsoon has revived in Maharashtra, bringing widespread heavy rainfall across several regions, including Mumbai. After a brief lull, intense showers returned from Friday onward, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued rain activity until at least June 18. Mumbai witnessed renewed showers over the weekend, with the Santacruz observatory recording 19 mm and the Colaba station registering 34 mm of rainfall between Saturday and Sunday morning. A yellow alert has been issued for the city, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to persist until Tuesday morning. The IMD has also raised a red alert for the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall on Monday. An orange alert remains in place for these regions un...

Locust outbreaks are already a nightmare for millions of people, destroying crops and threatening food supplies. Now, scientists warn that these outbreaks are likely to get worse as the climate changes but they also believe that working with local communities could be key to stopping the damage. A new research paper explains that locusts, which are a type of short-horned grasshopper, can suddenly switch from living quietly on their own to forming huge, fast-moving swarms. These swarms can travel hundreds of kilometers, eating nearly every green plant they find. One species, the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), is described by scientists as one of the most destructive pests on the planet. A single swarm made up of tens of millions of these insects can cover more than 1,200 square k...

A brutal heatwave is gripping large parts of northwest and central India, pushing temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 22 locations and leaving millions struggling with extreme weather conditions. The searing heat is not only making daily life difficult but is also straining power grids as demand for cooling and water surges across states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this intense spell of heat will likely continue for another two days before light to moderate rainfall offers some relief starting June 15. The full arrival of the southwest monsoon, expected by June 25, is hoped to break this cycle of extreme temperatures and restore some climate stability to the affected regions. ...

After enduring an unusually dry and hot start to June, Arunachal Pradesh is finally poised to receive a much-needed spell of rain. According to the meteorological office, the state is expected to witness significant rainfall between June 16 and June 19, bringing relief from the persistent heat and dry conditions that have gripped the region for the past two weeks. The State Disaster Management Department has reported that weather patterns are shifting, with widespread showers likely to cover multiple districts. Areas such as Tawang, Kurung Kumey, and Namsai are forecasted to experience regular rainfall during this period. The lack of early June precipitation had led to soaring temperatures and dry soil conditions, raising concerns among local farmers and residents. However, the u...

Tropical Storm Wutip roared into southern China late Friday, pounding coastal areas with fierce winds and torrential rain. Making landfall near Dongfang city on Hainan Island, the storm disrupted daily life across the region, forcing schools to close, tourist sites to shut down, and transport services to grind to a halt. According to the National Meteorological Centre, Wutip packed wind speeds of up to 108 km per hour near its center when it struck around 11 pm local time (1500 GMT). The storm had gathered strength earlier this week over the South China Sea, evolving into a tropical storm by June 11. Its arrival marks the fifth-latest start to the Pacific tropical cyclone season in recent history—a reminder of how shifting weather patterns are impacting storm activity in the region....