Increased Sea Surface Temperatures

The Bay of Bengal has experienced significant warming, with sea surface temperatures increasing at rates of 0.005 to 0.012°C/year annually and up to 0.012 to 0.026°C/year in adjacent areas. This warming provides more energy for storm systems and contributes to marine heatwaves :cite[3].

Marine Heatwaves and Monsoon Disruption

Marine heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, occurring 3 times more often in the northern Bay of Bengal than in previous decades. These heatwaves disrupt monsoon patterns, weakening monsoon winds and creating dry spells over central India while causing excess rainfall in southern regions :cite[8].

Compound Extreme Events

Climate change has increased compound marine heatwave-tropical cyclone events, which delay the onset of the summer monsoon. These events begin with increased downward shortwave radiation and Ekman downwelling during MHW formation, followed by latent heat flux release during TC lifecycle :cite[7].

Sea Level Rise

The Bay of Bengal is experiencing sea level rise at rates of 1.2-2.4 mm/year annually, with consistent trends of 1.8-3.0 mm/year during both winter and monsoon seasons. This exacerbates coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of Bangladesh and eastern India :cite[3]:cite[5].

Increased Cyclone Intensity

Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal have intensified by 20-40% over recent decades, with increased lifespan of approximately 80%. Warmer seas provide more energy for cyclones, leading to rapid intensification and greater destructive potential :cite[8].

Marine Ecosystem Impacts

Extreme monsoon changes threaten the Bay of Bengal's role as a critical food source. Both extremely strong and weak monsoon periods cause approximately 50% reduction in food available for marine life by inhibiting ocean mixing and nutrient distribution :cite[1].

Fisheries Vulnerability

Rising sea surface temperatures above 26°C show significant negative relationship with pelagic fish catch, with an 18% decline in catch with each unit increase in SST beyond this threshold. The frequency of cyclonic events also reduces fish catch by approximately 12% :cite[6].

Coastal Vulnerability

Major Indian coastal cities like Mumbai and Kolkata face high flood risks under climate change scenarios, with projections indicating 0.6-1.2m of sea level rise under high emission scenarios by 2100. This threatens coastal infrastructure and populations :cite[5].

Current Weather Season

1. Seasonal Information

2. Weather Averages

3. Climate Drivers

4. Global Warming Impact