The India Meteorological Department (IMD) identified 2018 as the sixth warmest year recorded in India, noting that the average temperature was significantly above average. It was highlighted that eleven out of fifteen of the hottest years recorded occurred within the past decade and a half (from 2004 to 2018). An observable increase in temperatures has been correlated with the rise in extreme weather events.
About the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Established in 1875, the IMD is an arm of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is entrusted with the vital responsibility of carrying out meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology. The IMD plays a critical role in understanding the country’s climatic conditions and predicting weather patterns for the region.
Significant Weather Events of 2018
In reviewing the climate variations for 2018, the IMD underscored two exceptional weather episodes: the Kerala floods resulting from unusually heavy rainfall in August, a rather infrequent occurrence for the region, and the unexpected thunderstorm activities over the northern regions between May and June due to extended bouts of severe weather conditions.
The Impact of Increasing Temperatures
Both day and night time temperatures are on the rise in India. This escalation presents itself through heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. Resultantly, the instances of extreme rainfall and rainstorms capable of causing floods have also increased. The length of dry spells is expanding concurrently. Other weather phenomena including, heat and cold waves, snowfall, thunderstorms, dust storms, lightning and floods are becoming more prominent.
Cyclonic Storms and Extensive Rainfalls
India experienced an uptick in cyclonic storms such as Titli, Luban, Gaja, Daye, and Phethai that were formed over the northern Indian Ocean. Tragically, over 800 lives were lost due to flood and excessive rainfall-related incidents from various parts of the country (such as in the northern/northeastern, central & peninsular regions) during the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2018.
Monsoon Patterns
Although the Southwest monsoon season was reported as normal, the northeast monsoon season experienced considerably below average rainfalls (measured at 56% of the Long Period Average (LPA)). This was recorded as the sixth lowest since 1901. Here LPA is defined as the average rainfall received by the country as a whole during the south-west monsoon period over a span of 50 years.
| Climate Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| 6th warmest year on record | 2018 |
| Number of warmest years in the last 15 years | 11 |
| Southwest monsoon season | Normal |
| Northeast monsoon season rainfall | 56% of LPA |
Global Warming Trend
These patterns seen in recent years are in alignment with the global warming trend. Specifically, the rate of increase in temperatures over India mirrors the global average. This brings focus to the greater issue of climate change and its multiple impacts on weather conditions and overall ecosystems.
