India experienced unprecedented minimum temperatures. The average minimum temperature peaked in October, reaching 1.78°C above the norm. This is the highest recorded since 1901. Throughout the year, temperatures remained consistently above normal. No month had average temperatures within the normal range.
Historic Temperature Records
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that ten out of the first eleven months in 2024 saw minimum temperatures among the top ten highest since records began. March was the only exception, yet it still recorded a minimum temperature 0.43°C above normal. The trend indicates rise in average minimum temperatures.
Monthly Temperature Anomalies
In July, August, September, and October, India recorded its highest average minimum temperatures in 123 years. October alone saw an average minimum temperature of 21.79°C, surpassing the previous record of 21.28°C set in 1951. The mean temperature for October reached a staggering 26.92°C, breaking the earlier record of 26.71°C.
Regional Temperature
Northwest India reported the highest anomaly in October with an average minimum temperature 2.25°C above normal. Central India followed closely with a 2.07°C increase. Northwest India recorded an average minimum temperature of 18.98°C, the highest since 1901, surpassing the previous record of 18.92°C from 1951.
Future Temperature Predictions
The IMD announced that November 2024 also saw above-normal temperatures, with an average minimum 1.05°C above normal. Predictions suggest that December 2024 will continue this trend, likely setting new records for average minimum temperatures. This pattern indicates a concerning shift towards higher temperatures becoming the new normal.
Implications of Temperature Changes
These temperature anomalies have implications for agriculture, water resources, and public health. The persistent heat can lead to crop failures and increased demand for water. Additionally, higher temperatures may exacerbate health issues related to heat stress.
Climate Change Factors
These temperature records are part of a broader trend linked to climate change. Global warming is causing shifts in weather patterns. Human activities contribute to these changes.
Comparison with Previous Years
The year 2024 follows a similar trend observed in 2023, suggesting that this may not be an isolated incident. The long-term data indicates a worrying trajectory for climate patterns in India.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of rising minimum temperatures on agriculture in India.
- Explain the relationship between climate change and the increase in average minimum temperatures observed in India.
- What are the potential public health implications of consistently high temperatures? Provide suitable examples.
- Comment on the historical trends of temperature anomalies in India. How do they compare with global trends?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of rising minimum temperatures on agriculture in India.
- Higher minimum temperatures can lead to altered growing seasons, affecting crop yields and harvest timings.
- Increased heat stress can reduce the productivity of staple crops like wheat and rice.
- Changes in temperature can exacerbate pest and disease outbreaks, further threatening agricultural output.
- Water availability may be impacted due to increased evaporation rates, straining irrigation resources.
- Farmers may face economic challenges due to crop failures and fluctuating market prices influenced by climate variability.
2. Explain the relationship between climate change and the increase in average minimum temperatures observed in India.
- Climate change is primarily driven by global warming, which raises average temperatures, including minimums.
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions have led to changes in weather patterns, resulting in higher baseline temperatures.
- Urbanization and land-use changes contribute to local warming, exacerbating temperature anomalies.
- Climate models indicate that regions like India are particularly vulnerable to temperature increases due to their climatic conditions.
- Long-term data shows a correlation between rising CO2 levels and increasing minimum temperatures in India.
3. What are the potential public health implications of consistently high temperatures? Provide suitable examples.
- Higher temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Increased temperatures can exacerbate respiratory issues due to poor air quality and higher pollen counts.
- Waterborne diseases may rise as warmer temperatures affect water quality and availability.
- Heat stress can negatively impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression rates.
- Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, face heightened risks during heat waves.
4. Comment on the historical trends of temperature anomalies in India. How do they compare with global trends?
- India has experienced temperature anomalies, with recent years showing unprecedented minimum temperature records.
- Historical data indicates a consistent upward trend in temperatures over the last century, aligning with global warming patterns.
- India’s temperature rise is more pronounced in certain regions, particularly northwest and central India, compared to global averages.
- Global climate reports show similar trends in temperature anomalies, emphasizing a worldwide issue of rising temperatures.
- Comparatively, India’s temperature anomalies reflect broader global climate change impacts, denoting the need for urgent action.
