India's Cooler Months Are Warming at Faster Rate, Shows IMD Data

Rising temperatures across India are blurring seasonal distinctions, with traditionally cooler months warming at a faster rate than warmer months over the past century, according to data released this week by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

- Jayashree Nandi and Abhishek Jha

NEW DELHI:

The trend comes against the backdrop of the climate crisis manifesting ever more clearly globally, with 2024 marking India's—and the world's—warmest year.

Analysis of IMD's century-long temperature data shows the October-December post-monsoon season is warming at 1.01°C per 100 years, followed by the January-February winter months at 0.73°C.

The March-May pre-monsoon and June-September monsoon seasons are warming at relatively slower rates of 0.62°C and 0.45°C respectively. In other words, shoulder seasons such as spring and autumn are shrinking.

Recent patterns also present a puzzling twist.