Dear readers It is true that it rains harder today, it is true that days are colder and low temperatures persist for longer periods, and it is true that heat waves are stronger now than ever before…

But, we also understand that not every event is linked to climate change. There is this aspect of climate variability that plays a key role–simply meaning that the weather system, like the human body can have sniffles, sneezes and coughs-small aberrations or extreme events that do not foretell life threatening fallout. However, what if these symptoms assume chronic proportions–with extreme events becoming more and more probable? Then we might want to stand back and view the whole picture. For instance, heat and cold waves in Europe and the US, floods in Australia, cyclones in South Asia, floods and earthquakes in China, seem to be magnified in its character–so is it just variability or is it a manifestation of climate change? The issue is thus dedicated to understanding of the extreme event dynamics in backdrop of climate change–but of course in the Indian context. The major hazard scenario is also highlighted to help our readers comprehend the possible weather related outcomes in the near future.

Happy Reading and a very happy new year.