Variability of Aerosols and Clouds Over North Indian and Myanmar During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

The implementation of a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread COVID-19 disease has reduced loading anthropogenic aerosols. However, AOD distribution over South Asia during period shows dipole pattern: reduction North Indian and enhancement Myanmar region. This pattern is evident in some datasets (MODIS, MERRA, CALIPSO). MODIS fire counts collocated with CALIPSO smoke aerosols show indicating contribution from fires. India region number fires are less compared climatology. Thus, observed due sources. Our analysis that originating biomass burning forms layer (900–600 hPa) produces atmospheric heating (0–2.8 K/day) eventually leads cloud dissipation/burning (negative in-atmospheric radiative forcing ∼ −13 W/m 2 ) precipitation (−1 −4 mm) Myanmar. In contrast, aerosol favors formation, is, increase cover specific liquid water content leading enhancement, anti-Twomey effect.