Loo wind: Origin, Extent and Impacts in Northern India

The Loo wind is a hot and dry wind that blows across northern India during the summer months. It is also known as the Westerlies or the Indian Simoom. The word "Loo" is derived from the Hindi word "lu," which means hot.

The Loo wind originates from the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, which is located in northwestern India. The Thar Desert is known for its extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 50°C (122°F) during the summer months. As the hot air rises from the desert, it creates a low-pressure area. The cool air from the surrounding areas rushes in to fill this low-pressure area, creating the Loo wind.

Mechanism:

The mechanism of the Loo wind can be explained as follows:

High-temperature gradient: The Loo wind is caused by the high-temperature gradient between the Thar Desert and the surrounding areas. The Thar Desert experiences extreme heat during the summer months, and the temperature can reach up to 50°C (122°F). The surrounding areas, on the other hand, have relatively lower temperatures.

Formation of low-pressure area: Due to the high temperature in the Thar Desert, the air above the desert gets heated up and rises. This creates a low-pressure area over the desert.

Inflow of cool air: The low-pressure area created by the rising hot air from the Thar Desert draws in cool air from the surrounding areas. This inflow of cool air creates the Loo wind.

Dry and hot wind: As the Loo wind flows towards the surrounding areas, it picks up heat and dryness from the Thar Desert. This makes the wind hot and dry, and it can cause dehydration, heat stroke, and respiratory problems in humans and animals.

Impacts 

The Loo wind is most intense during the months of May and June, and it can last for several weeks at a time. It affects several northern states of India, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. 

The wind can be quite strong, with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h (37 mph). 

The Loo wind is known to cause health problems such as dehydration, heat stroke, and respiratory issues. It can also damage crops and cause wildfires.