Ladakh’s Rising Temperatures Worry IMD Director Sonam Lotus
Leh (Ladakh) [India], July 31: Ladakh India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Sonam Lotus has raised concerns about the steep rise in temperatures in Ladakh. On July 30, Leh recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius.
Lotus explained that while high temperatures are common during Ladakh’s hottest months of July and August, the rapid increase is alarming. He emphasized that glaciers, which are crucial for the region’s water supply, are melting faster due to the intense heat.
“Ladakh is a cold desert area, but it doesn’t mean it is always cold here. During winters, temperatures can drop to -20 or -25 degrees Celsius in Leh. However, summers in July-August are the hottest, with Kargil experiencing even higher temperatures than Leh,” said Lotus.
He noted that Leh recorded a highest temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius, while Kargil reached 37.5 degrees Celsius on July 28. These temperatures, although typical for the season, are concerning due to their impact on glaciers.
“The steep rise in temperature in Ladakh is indeed a matter of concern. Glaciers are our natural resources, providing essential water. If temperatures continue to rise, the intense heat will accelerate the melting of ice bodies,” he added.
Lotus also issued an advisory for tourists, warning of potential flash floods due to the active monsoon. “It has started becoming cloudy, causing light rain in some areas. We advise tourists to stay alert as there could be flash floods in the coming days. There is no need to panic, but caution is necessary,” he said.
Doubts Revealed
Ladakh -: Ladakh is a region in the northern part of India, known for its beautiful mountains and cold weather.
IMD -: IMD stands for India Meteorological Department, which is a government agency that studies the weather and gives weather forecasts.
Sonam Lotus -: Sonam Lotus is a person who works as the director at the India Meteorological Department in Ladakh. He studies and reports on the weather in that region.
Leh -: Leh is a town in Ladakh, which is famous for its scenic beauty and is a popular tourist destination.
30.5°C -: 30.5°C is a temperature reading, which means it was quite hot in Leh on July 30. Celsius (°C) is a scale used to measure temperature.
glaciers -: Glaciers are large masses of ice that move slowly over land. They are important because they store a lot of fresh water.
flash floods -: Flash floods are sudden and very fast floods that happen when there is a lot of rain in a short period. They can be very dangerous.
monsoon -: Monsoon is a season in India when it rains a lot. It usually happens from June to September.
