Dar et al. (2026) Role of land surface conditions on the evolution and spatial propagation of heatwaves in northwest India

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Hydrometeorology
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-10-05
• Authors: Javid Ahmad Dar, Tushar Apurv
• DOI: 10.1175/jhm-d-26-0030.1

Research Groups

• Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Short Summary

This study investigates the role of land surface conditions in the evolution and spatial propagation of pre-monsoon heatwaves in northwest and central India. The research finds that initial land surface temperature (LST) in northwest India significantly influences the spatial propagation of heatwaves to downwind regions.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of land surface conditions on the frequency, intensity, and propagation of heatwaves in northwest and central India during 1950-2023.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Regional scale (northwest and central India).
• Temporal Scale: Long-term (1950-2023) with a focus on pre-monsoon season.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Not specified.
• Data sources: Historical climate data, including temperature and precipitation records from 1950 to 2023.

Main Results

• Initial land surface temperature (LST) in northwest India significantly influences the spatial propagation of heatwaves to downwind regions.
• Heatwaves with higher initial LST in northwest India are associated with stronger westerly winds during the termination phase, leading to faster and more likely propagation to central India.

Contributions

• This study demonstrates the significant potential of using initial LST of upwind regions for predicting heatwave occurrence in downwind areas.

Funding

• Not specified.

Citation

@article{Dar2026Role,
  author = {Dar, Javid Ahmad and Apurv, Tushar},
  title = {Role of land surface conditions on the evolution and spatial propagation of heatwaves in northwest India},
  journal = {Journal of Hydrometeorology},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1175/jhm-d-26-0030.1},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1175/jhm-d-26-0030.1}
}