weather

India burns more coal as extreme heat and Iran war squeeze energy Supplies

India, the world’s third-largest carbon dioxide emitter, is burning more coal as energy supply disruptions due to the Iran war and a nationwide heatwave have boosted demand for the dirty fuel.

More than 70% of India’s power is generated from coal-fired plants, and energy experts told CNBC that the share is expected to rise this year.

In February, India announced that more than 52% of its total installed power generation capacity came from non-fossil fuel sources, with the majority coming from solar, hydropower and wind. Yet, coal-fired power plants, which account for nearly 43% of total generation capacity, remain the dominant source of energy.

Coal-fired power generation in India in April increased to 164.9 average gigawatts, compared with 160.7 average gigawatts last year, according to data shared by S&P Global Energy. According to the data, coal-fired power generation rose sequentially by 5.6 average gigawatts, or 3.5%, in April.

About 4% of India’s installed power generation capacity is gas-fired and runs on liquified natural gas, of which about 60% is imported through the Strait of Hormuz.

Higher coal burn

The higher liquid natural gas prices have also made gas-based power generation economically unviable, said Girish Madan, director of corporate ratings at Fitch Ratings in Singapore. “So, coal-based power needs to share a higher burden in these peak summer months,” he added.

Electricity demand in India is rising as temperatures surge amid heatwaves. On April 27, data compiled by New Delhi-based air quality and temperature monitoring platform AQI showed that all 50 of the world’s hottest cities were in India.

“Heatwave conditions, with readings above 40-45 degrees C (Celsius), across several places in India have lifted power demand,” Andre Lambine, lead APAC short-term power and renewables research at S&P Global Energy, told CNBC in an email.

He added that while gas-fired generation rebounded in the last weeks of April, it remains “1.5 average gigawatts below 2025 levels, underscoring the continued displacement of gas by coal in the power mix.”

If the El Niño climate effect develops, there could be a “potential growth of 10% year over year for coal-fired power generation in India,” he said.

India is expected to experience relatively higher temperatures this month, which could result in “heat wave conditions across parts of Northwest, Central and West India, along with the East Coast,” the government said in a release on May 2.

While demand for coal is primarily driven by the power sector, other industries are also leaning on the fossil fuel, said Firat Ergene, lead Insights analyst for coal, petcoke, and cement at Kpler.

Additional demand is coming from industries such as cement producers, he told CNBC.

Supplies of petroleum coke, which is burned as fuel, have been disrupted by the Middle East conflict, pushing prices higher. This has prompted cement companies to substitute petcoke with coal, Ergene explained.

Last month, India vowed to reduce the emissions intensity of its economy by 47% by 2035, in line with its goal to become a net-zero country by 2070. India is the world’s third-highest emitter of carbon dioxide, after China and the U.S.

While India’s carbon dioxide emissions are still rising, the growth rate last year was the slowest in more than two decades, according to an analysis by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a policy think tank.

CNBC

UAE

How to enjoy 25°C cool weather in UAE next week

Fair conditions are expected across the UAE on Saturday, with partly cloudy skies at times and light to moderate winds, according to the national weather forecast. Winds may freshen intermittently, while seas are forecast to remain slight to moderate in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Temperatures are set to vary across the country, reaching highs of between 34°C and 38°C in coastal areas, while internal regions could see temperatures Winds are expected to blow from the north-westerly to north-easterly direction at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h, occasionally strengthening to 35 km/h.climb to between 39°C and 43°C. In the mountains, cooler conditions will prevail, with highs ranging from 25°C to 31°C.

Similar weather patterns are forecast to persist over the coming days. Sunday is expected to remain fair, with light to moderate winds continuing across the country and seas remaining relatively calm.

On Monday, a slight drop in temperatures is anticipated, particularly in western areas, while conditions remain generally stable. By Tuesday, humidity levels are expected to rise overnight and into Wednesday morning, especially along coastal regions, bringing a chance of mist formation.

Fair weather is expected to continue into midweek, with light to moderate winds and generally calm sea conditions, offering stable and predictable weather across the UAE.

weather

Thunderstorms to batter Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Thunderstorms of varying intensity are set to affect most regions of Saudi Arabia until Sunday, with warnings of heavy rain, strong winds and flash floods, the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) said.

The NCM said the unstable weather will bring moderate to heavy rainfall across key regions, including Riyadh, Qassim, the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province, while Al Baha, Asir and Jazan are also expected to experience rainfall during the same period.

The storms will be accompanied by active downdrafts raising dust and sand, with wind speeds exceeding 60 km/h in some areas, as well as hail and high waves along coastal areas.

Authorities warned that the conditions could lead to reduced visibility and localised flooding, urging residents to exercise caution.

The NCM advised the public to follow official updates via its website and platforms, including the “Anwaa” application, and to adhere to safety instructions issued by relevant authorities to protect lives and property.

weather

Temperatures to dip across UAE on March 6

The National Centre of Meteorology has predicted a period of unsettled weather for tomorrow, with skies remaining partly cloudy to overcast at times.

Residents can expect a noticeable dip in temperatures with light rain anticipated during the morning hours, particularly across the islands and throughout various coastal and northern areas.

A significant feature of tomorrow’s forecast involves moderate to fresh north-westerly to south-westerly winds. These may strengthen at times, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h, which could lead to blowing dust and sand.

Motorists and those with respiratory sensitivities should take necessary precautions due to potentially reduced visibility.

Conditions at sea are expected to be challenging for maritime activities. The Arabian Gulf: Waters will be rough, becoming very rough at times.

In the Sea of Oman, wave conditions are forecast to remain rough throughout the day.