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Rising Temperatures in India
Context:
Recent data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals a concerning trend: India’s traditionally cooler months are warming at a faster rate than warmer months. This shift is blurring seasonal distinctions and highlights the escalating impact of the climate crisis.
More on News:
- 2024 is recorded as India’s warmest year, aligning with global climate trends.
- The warming trend is causing shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to shrink, as cooler months warm faster than the warmer months.
2024 Temperature Records
- 2024 was the warmest year on record for India and globally, with the annual mean temperature 0.65°C above the 1991-2020 long-term average, surpassing the previous record of 0.54°C set in 2016.
- Sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal also reached their highest levels since 1854.
Key Findings:
- Post-Monsoon Season (October-December): Warming at 1.01°C per 100 years.
- Winter Months (January-February): Warming at 0.73°C per 100 years.
- Pre-Monsoon Season (March-May): Warming at 0.62°C per 100 years.
- Monsoon Season (June-September): Warming at 0.45°C per 100 years.
- Humidity and Climate Dynamics: Humidity levels are also rising due to the overall increase in temperatures, but their dynamics are linked to the hydrological cycle and are harder to predict accurately.
Monsoon Season Patterns
- Over the past decade, the monsoon season has consistently recorded above-normal temperatures compared to the 1991-2020 average.
- Other seasons show more variability, indicating the dynamic nature of temperature changes on a decadal scale.
Global and Regional Influences
- Global climate phenomena, like La Niña, may influence temperature trends, with notable warming effects during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
- Despite regional variations, most of India is experiencing a warming trend, though some areas (e.g., Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Gujarat) have shown decreasing temperatures over the long term (1901-2024).
Nighttime vs. Daytime Warming
- Nighttime temperatures have shown more dramatic warming, with the average minimum temperature deviation being 0.90°C above normal in 2024, the highest since 1901.
- Daytime maximum temperatures were 0.40°C above average, ranking as the fourth highest.
- The increase in nighttime temperatures is primarily attributed to the greenhouse effect, driven by human activities, highlighting the significant role of climate change in altering India’s climate.
