According to IMD officer Bhan, who was responding to a question, the monthly average maximum temperature for February was the highest since 1877. He attributed the upward trend to the phenomenon of global warming.”The planet is presently going through a period of global warming. The world is warming up.” Bhan replied when asked if the extreme temps were an indication of climate change.
According to the weather service, India had its warmest February since 1877 this year. The absence of winter rain, clear skies, and anticyclones, among other factors, contributed to the increase in temperatures, according to SC Bhan, director of Hydromet & Agromet Advisory Services, India Meteorological Department (IMD), during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. Bhan noted that in February, maximum temperatures were 8 to 9 degrees Celsius above average.
Heatwaves in the northeastern region:
According to the weather expert, India’s north, northeast, and also some regions of its northwest and center should record higher-than-average maximum temps from March to May. Bhan continued that the remainder of the nation would record typical maximum temperatures. In the majority of the nation, minimum temperatures are anticipated to stay within normal limits.
The IMD will begin issuing five-day heatwave alerts on Wednesday. According to Bhan, improved departmental coordination would enable the prevention of human and livestock casualties. However, there might be fewer heatwaves in March. March rainfall is anticipated to be typical.
La Nia conditions are currently dominating the tropical Pacific. During the pre-monsoon season, La Nia is expected to wane and transition into neutral El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions.
“In addition to ENSO conditions over the Pacific, other factors, such as the sea surface temperature of the Indian Ocean, affect the Indian climate.” The Indian Ocean is currently experiencing neutral IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) conditions, and according to the most recent MMCFS (Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System) forecast, these conditions are expected to last throughout the pre-monsoon season.
Ocean currents La Nia, as well as El Nino, are significant in the evolution of the monsoons. In April, the IMD is anticipated to release its initial monsoon forecast.
Notably, the standing wheat harvests and mango orchards have already been impacted by heat stress brought on by the high temps. Farmers can manage their tension thanks to advice from the department of agriculture.
In March, the critical month for the maturation of winter-sown above-normal maximum temperatures, most of the country—except peninsular India—is expected to experience them.
“Already under duress from higher temperatures is the wheat crop. Yield loss would undoubtedly occur in a warmer March “said a global trade house dealer with a global trade house headquartered in Mumbai.
India only produces one wheat grain per year, which is planted in October and November and harvested starting in March.
In 2022, a heat wave reduced wheat production in India, causing the country to become the second-largest exporter of grain.
Insights from IMD:
Since the IMD began keeping weather records in 1901, the median maximum temperature in Feb was 29.54 degrees Celsius, which was a new high.
According to the weather service, the nation’s February rainfall was 68% below average.
Last year, government officials issued a warning that the nation in South Asia might experience more heat waves in the years ahead and that average temperatures have been rising for the past 20 years, despite the monsoon season.
In a letter that was sent to states and union territories on Tuesday, India’s health ministry stated that “temperatures have already reached unusual highs at some locations in the country.” Reuters was able to view the letter.
To execute “heat-related health action plans,” the government ordered health departments across the nation.
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