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As India swelters under intense heat, the Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) automatic weather station (AWS) sensors have come under scrutiny. On Wednesday, the AWS in Mungeshpur, Delhi, recorded a temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius, raising eyebrows. The IMD has dispatched a team to inspect the sensor to ensure its accuracy.
Similarly, the AWS in Nagpur recorded an astounding 56 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Two of the four AWS set up by the IMD in Nagpur recorded unusually high temperatures, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. This has put the spotlight on the accuracy and reliability of AWS sensors, particularly during extreme heat.
AWS are designed to automatically record ambient air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction on an hourly basis. They transmit this data to a central server, where it is processed and disseminated. However, experts caution against relying solely on AWS data during periods of intense heat, as the sensors may malfunction beyond 38 degrees Celsius.
AWS sensors are typically imported from European countries, where temperatures do not rise as high as in Indian cities. As a result, the sensors may not be adequately calibrated for the extreme heat conditions in India. Additionally, improper maintenance and placement of AWS units can also lead to erroneous readings.
Experts suggest that thermometer-based readings, such as those taken at the Safdarjung observatory in Delhi, are more reliable due to the nature of the device. The thermometers are housed in a Stevenson Screen, a wooden enclosure designed to shield them from precipitation and direct heat radiation while allowing for free air circulation.
The IMD operates a network of over 550 surface observatories and 795 AWS across India. These stations provide valuable data for weather forecasting and monitoring. However, the accuracy of AWS sensors during extreme heat conditions remains a concern.
As the IMD continues to investigate the reliability of its AWS sensors, it is important to consider alternative methods of temperature measurement. Thermometer-based readings, while more labor-intensive, may provide more accurate data during periods of intense heat.
Source: 52 degrees C in Delhi, 56 in Nagpur put IMD's AWS sensors in the spotlight