- Nautapa, a nine-day period of intense heat, aligns with astronomical positioning.
- Traditionally, Nautapa’s heat influences the subsequent monsoon rainfall patterns.
- Meteorologically, direct sunlight and dry winds elevate temperatures during this phase.
- Health risks during Nautapa necessitate precautions against dehydration and heatstroke.
As large parts of North India continue to reel under intense heatwave conditions, discussions around “Nautapa” have once again gained attention. The period is traditionally considered one of the hottest phases of summer in India and is often associated with soaring temperatures, heatwaves, and dry weather conditions.
What Does Nautapa Mean?
The word “Nautapa” is derived from two Hindi words “Nau” meaning nine and “Tapa” meaning heat. It refers to a nine-day period during which the Sun is believed to enter the Rohini Nakshatra according to Hindu astrology and traditional weather beliefs.
This period generally falls between late May and early June every year and is considered the peak of summer across several parts of India, especially in North and Central regions.
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Traditionally, Nautapa is believed to play a significant role in shaping the upcoming monsoon season. According to popular belief, intense heat during these nine days helps create favourable atmospheric conditions for good rainfall later in the season.
In many rural parts of India, farmers closely observe weather conditions during Nautapa and associate strong heat with the possibility of a healthy monsoon.
Why Does Temperature Rise During Nautapa?
Meteorologically, this period coincides with the time when the Sun’s rays fall more directly over the Indian subcontinent, especially northern and central regions. Dry winds, clear skies, and prolonged sunlight lead to sharp increases in daytime temperatures.
Cities across Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and parts of Maharashtra often witness temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius during this period.
Is Nautapa Scientifically Linked To Heatwaves?
Weather experts say Nautapa itself is rooted more in traditional and astrological understanding than in modern meteorology. However, the timing of Nautapa often overlaps with the climatologically hottest days of the year in India.
In recent years, climate scientists have warned that global warming and rapid urbanisation are making heatwaves more frequent, longer, and more dangerous during this period.
Health Risks During Nautapa
Doctors advise people to take extra precautions during Nautapa because prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to:
Dehydration
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
Dizziness and fatigue
Severe health complications in elderly people, children, and outdoor workers
Health experts recommend staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during afternoon hours, wearing light clothing, and limiting outdoor activity during peak heat.
Why Nautapa Is Being Discussed More This Year
This year, several states have already reported severe heatwave conditions, with “feels-like” temperatures crossing dangerous levels in some areas. Combined with rising humidity and urban heat island effects, Nautapa has once again become a major talking point as India experiences another summer of extreme weather.
