Role of black carbon in aerosol properties and radiative forcing over western India during premonsoon period

► A thick dust layer is observed over western India during premonsoon. ► AOD is mainly governed by dust, while BC has less contribution. ► Urban region exhibits positive forcing, whereas, semi-urban and background regions exhibit negative forcing at TOA. ► Aerosol heating rates are maximum over urban, followed by semi-urban and background regions. ► 40% enhancement of BC could increase heating rate by up to 50% over western India.