"India's Hottest Year Yet: 2024 Sets Record Temperatures Since 1901!"

The past year was on track to be the hottest recorded globally, although an official confirmation is still pending. This intensifying trend in temperatures highlights ongoing concerns about climate change and its far-reaching impacts.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 2024 has marked a significant turning point as it stands as the hottest year India has witnessed since record-keeping began in 1901. This year's average land surface temperature has surged by 0.65 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record established in 2016. The implications of such rising temperatures are alarming, as experts predict that 2024 could potentially be recognized as the warmest year globally, although official confirmation for worldwide temperatures is still pending.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general of IMD, emphasized the persistent impact of climate change on temperature trends. He noted that the warming trajectory has not only continued but has intensified, causing 2024 to be recorded as the warmest year on Indian soil. The trend of temperatures rising sharply has been a notable characteristic of recent years, highlighting an urgent need for attention and action regarding climate issues.

The data from IMD, which utilizes a long-term average established from 1991 to 2020, indicates a concerning pattern. The five warmest years on record have all occurred in the more recent past, with 2016 leading the pack at an increase of 0.54 degrees Celsius, followed by 2009 at 0.40 degrees Celsius, 2010 at 0.39 degrees Celsius, and 2017 at 0.38 degrees Celsius. Analyzing seasonal changes, it is evident that the post-monsoon period from October to December experienced the most dramatic increase in temperatures, showing a rise of 0.83 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season, which spans from June to September, also saw a significant jump with an increase of 0.71 degrees Celsius during the same timeframe.

Moreover, 2023 remained noteworthy for India, as it was characterized by exceptionally high temperatures in November, ranking as the second warmest November in terms of maximum temperature recorded since 1901. Additionally, it marked the fifth warmest monsoon season in the same historical context, further amplifying concerns regarding weather patterns and climate stability in the region.

Throughout 2024, the northeastern monsoon's performance was generally within the expected norms, with October and December witnessing rainfall levels that ranged from normal to above-average across the nation. As 2025 approaches, predictions indicate that much of India will continue to experience warm weather during both day and night. This trend may be accompanied by sporadic strong cold wave conditions; however, it is anticipated that regions in northwest India—comprising Rajasthan, Gujarat, and certain adjoining areas of north Maharashtra—might encounter cold day scenarios, where daily maximum temperatures dip below average levels.

The overall situation serves as a pressing reminder of the ongoing climate crisis and its tangible consequences on both regional and global scales. It underscores the importance of immediate climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of rising temperatures in India and beyond.