AWS has recorded 52.9 degree Celsius at Mungeshpur station in Delhi and 56 degrees Celsius at Ramdaspeth in Nagpur.
- Nearby stations to these areas have recorded comparatively low temperatures and raise concern about wrong readings.
About AWS
- Defined as a “meteorological station at which observations are made and transmitted automatically”.
- The four sensors are used for normal AWS –Wind sensors, temperature humidity sensors, pressure sensors and rainfall sensors.
- The air temperature is measured using an electrical resistance thermometer in degrees Celsius.
- Electrical-resistance thermometers operate on the principle that electrical resistance varies with changes in temperature.
Challenges with AWS
- Beyond a certain temperature threshold, the accuracy of recordings becomes unreliable.
- Improper calibration of the sensors.
- Improper placement of AWS units on concrete structures and lack of regular maintenance.
Other heat measuring device
- High temperature can be measured by placing a thermometer in a Stevenson Screen.
- Stevenson Screen is a wooden enclosure designed to shield meteorological instruments from precipitation and direct heat radiation while enabling free circulation of air around them.
About India Meteorological Department (IMD)
|