IMD Declares 2024 Hottest Year Recorded

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared 2024 as the hottest year in India’s recorded history. This announcement follows a global consensus that 2024 was the warmest year worldwide. The IMD’s 2024 Annual Report marks temperature anomalies across various seasons and regions in India.

Temperature Anomalies Overview

The average land surface air temperature in 2024 was +0.65 degrees Celsius above the long-term average from 1991 to 2020. This surpassed the previous record of +0.54 degrees set in 2016. Monthly averages remained above normal for all months except March, which was nearly normal.

Seasonal Breakdown of Temperatures

• Winter (January-February) – Anomaly of +0.37 degrees Celsius.
• Pre-Monsoon (March-May) – Anomaly of +0.56 degrees Celsius.
• South-West Monsoon (June-September) – Anomaly of +0.71 degrees Celsius.
• Post-Monsoon (October-December) – Anomaly of +0.83 degrees Celsius.
• October 2024 recorded the highest monthly average temperature ever, with an anomaly of +1.23 degrees Celsius.

Regional Temperature Variations

Heatwaves were prevalent in various regions. April saw heatwaves along the eastern coast. May experienced widespread heatwaves in north-western India. June brought extreme temperatures across northern and central India. Some areas in Uttarakhand recorded anomalies exceeding four degrees Celsius.

Minimum Temperature Trends

The highest average monthly minimum temperatures were recorded in July, August, September, and October, with anomalies of +0.89, +0.59, +0.99, and +1.78 degrees Celsius respectively. February had the second highest average minimum temperature anomaly at +0.79 degrees Celsius.

Cyclonic Activity and Extreme Weather

2024 was marked by cyclonic activity. Four cyclonic storms formed over the northern Indian Ocean, including two severe cyclonic storms, Remal and Dana. The storms caused heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, and other severe weather events across the country. This year brought into light the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena.

Historical Context of Temperature Records

The five hottest years on record in India are:

1. 2024 (+0.65 degrees)
2. 2016 (+0.54 degrees)
3. 2009 (+0.40 degrees)
4. 2010 (+0.39 degrees)
5. 2017 (+0.38 degrees)

These records tell the trend of rising temperatures and its implications for climate change in India.

Implications for Climate Policy

The unprecedented temperatures and extreme weather events call for urgent climate action. Policymakers must address the impacts of climate change on agriculture, water resources, and public health. The data from 2024 serves as a critical reminder of the need for sustainable practices and resilience-building measures.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of rising temperatures on agriculture in India.
2. Explain the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events in India.
3. What are the implications of the hottest year records for India’s climate policy? Discuss.
4. With suitable examples, comment on the socio-economic effects of heatwaves in urban areas of India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of rising temperatures on agriculture in India.

1. Higher temperatures can lead to reduced crop yields due to heat stress on plants.
2. Increased evaporation rates can exacerbate water scarcity, affecting irrigation.
3. Shifts in growing seasons may disrupt traditional farming practices and crop cycles.
4. Pests and diseases may proliferate, threatening crop health and food security.
5. Farmers may face increased costs for adaptation measures, impacting their livelihoods.

2. Explain the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events in India.

1. Climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
2. Rising temperatures contribute to more intense cyclones and heavy rainfall patterns.
3. Heatwaves are becoming more common, resulting in health crises and agricultural losses.
4. Increased variability in monsoon patterns leads to floods and droughts, disrupting livelihoods.
5. The interplay between climate change and weather extremes poses risks to infrastructure and safety.

3. What are the implications of the hottest year records for India’s climate policy? Discuss.

1. Records necessitate a reevaluation of current climate policies and adaptation strategies.
2. Urgent action is required to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy.
3. Investment in climate-resilient agriculture and water management systems is essential.
4. Policies should focus on disaster preparedness and response to extreme weather events.
5. Public awareness and education on climate change impacts must be prioritized for community resilience.

4. With suitable examples, comment on the socio-economic effects of heatwaves in urban areas of India.

1. Heatwaves exacerbate health issues, leading to increased hospitalizations and mortality rates.
2. Urban infrastructure may suffer, causing power outages and water supply disruptions.
3. Low-income communities are disproportionately affected, facing higher vulnerability and lower adaptive capacity.
4. Labor productivity declines as outdoor workers are unable to perform in extreme heat.
5. Increased energy demand for cooling can strain urban resources and escalate costs for residents.