India Records Hottest Year in 2024: IMD Confirms Exceptional Temperature Increases
2024 has been identified as India’s hottest year, with temperatures 0.65°C above normal, attributed to El Niño and climate change. The IMD forecasts continuous above-normal temperatures and rainfall patterns, suggesting significant impacts on agriculture and food prices. Urgent climate action is necessary as records indicate alarming trends in global temperature increases, with 2024 projected to surpass critical warming thresholds.
As reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 2024 has been recorded as the warmest year in history for India, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. The average air temperature from January to November was noted to be 1.5°C above the normal levels, marking a continuation of the warming trend observed globally. Notably, the temperatures this year exceeded the already alarming averages of 2016, a year significantly impacted by El Niño phenomena.
The IMD has forecasted potential weather disruptions and continued above-normal temperatures as the year ends, further complicating the climatic landscape. In a press briefing, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra indicated that the annual mean air temperature has consistently risen, with 2024 reflecting an increase of 0.65°C above the long-term average. Taking into account historical data since 1901, this marks the highest recorded temperature variation, corroborating alarming climate change trends.
Experts attribute these soaring temperatures largely to the El Niño weather pattern, which, despite its dissipating effect in early 2024, left a lasting global impact. Coupled with the intensifying effects of climate change, this year experienced above-normal rainfall patterns leading to agricultural challenges, including increased food prices due to heavy rains disrupting crops.
During the IMD briefing, Aarti Khosla from Climate Trends remarked on the unequivocal pattern of rising yearly temperatures: “Even on years where El Niño hasn’t been dominant, they have been warmer than usual.” This long-term shift signals alarming changes for weather patterns, necessitating urgent climate actions globally. The IMD’s calculations for annual temperature averages from 1991 to 2020 further highlighted significant variations in both post-monsoon and monsoon seasons, displaying a pressing need for adaptations in agricultural and environmental practices.
As 2024 concludes, the global average temperature is anticipated to exceed pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C, signifying an unprecedented threshold breached on a global scale, in unison with alarming rainfall statistics gathered by the European climate agency Copernicus. The IMD also projected the emergence of a weak La Niña climate pattern, although its influence on India’s weather is expected to be minimal.
Looking forward, the IMD forecasts considerable rainfall in January for parts of North India, while remaining cautious for the following months. A slight increase in the likelihood of cold wave conditions is anticipated, with expectations for warming continuing over much of the country. Four cyclonic storms occurred over the Indian Ocean in 2024, including notable severe disturbances that underscore the extraordinary climatic challenges faced this year.
The information presented highlights the alarming escalation in temperature records for India and globally in 2024, reflecting unprecedented climatic changes. The contribution of the El Niño phenomenon, coupled with long-term climate change impacts, has caused severe disruptions in weather patterns, affecting agricultural output and food security. Historically significant, these shifts prompt urgent action to mitigate further repercussions of climate change extending into future years.
In conclusion, 2024 has been marked as the hottest year on record for India according to the India Meteorological Department, reinforcing the critical reality of climate change. This rise in temperatures not only raises immediate concerns for India but mirrors global trends, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive climate action. The severity of weather patterns, including increased rainfall and cyclonic activity, necessitates adaptive agricultural practices and strategic planning to mitigate adverse effects on food security and public health in the coming years.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
