In the current decade, substantial change in the frequency and intensity of extreme events may be seen, with heat waves, floods, cyclones and more occurring in a grim cycle of climate related disasters. The pattern of precipitation too has changed, with fewer light and moderate rains being replaced by more heavy rain events. Almost every day the newspapers scream of a rarest and most extreme record being beaten by a new high or low.

We know that weather anomalies are part of a normal climate cycle, yet when its frequency increases, recurrent disaster strikes with unnerving consequences. However unlike tectonic, climate disasters can be predicted with a fair amount of precision. Armed with data and an understanding of the ‘what-if’, we can not only make micro-level changes in our day to day living, but also participate holistically in the nation’s macro-level needs, such as change in cropping pattern, water conservation for drought scenarios, evacuating flood plains and more.

As social scientists we recognise that personal experiences during extreme weather events play an active role in building public opinion in favour of proactive action. However, extreme events are rare and it would take decades before the political tipping point is achieved. Such events need to be recognised as plausible threats and without preparedness, developing countries such as our will continue to be beleaguered by rare to rarer climate disasters.

This issue of Geography and You is dedicated to hydro-meteorological events that affect the Indian region—cyclones, floods, droughts, heat and cold waves, thunderstorm and hailstorm. The issue also covers plausible causes of Chennai floods and associated disaster management.