India’s hottest October in 124 years underscores the urgent impact of climate change on agriculture, health, and water resources.
India has experienced its hottest October in over a century, shattering records and leaving meteorologists and the public alike grappling with the implications.
As global climate patterns shift and evolve, unprecedented weather phenomena like this serve as stark reminders of the pressing need to understand and address climate change.
It looks incredible! The unprecedented sweltering spell replaces the proverbial tranquillity of October, not reported in the official weather records since 1901.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the average temperature was 1.23°C higher than the historical norm.
October, usually a transitional month marked by cooling temperatures, saw an extended summer, particularly in central and northern regions of the country, where heat spells persisted well into the month.
Contributing Factors to October’s Unusual Heat
Several factors contributed to the abnormal temperatures. A significant one was the lack of western disturbances—weather patterns that typically bring cooler air to northern India.
Instead, low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and easterly winds drove temperatures higher.
This persistent warmth was intensified by the continuing presence of El Niño, which often leads to warmer conditions during the late monsoon and early winter seasons across the Indian subcontinent.
El Niño is a climate pattern that involves the periodic warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
It disrupts usual weather patterns globally, and in India, it is often associated with weaker monsoons and warmer-than-average temperatures.
Implications of Persistent Heat and Changing Climate Patterns
This unseasonal warmth aligns with global extreme weather patterns attributed to climate change. Meteorologists warn that India’s sustained warming could significantly impact agriculture, water resources, and human health.
The country, already facing increased challenges from climate change, may experience more frequent and severe heat waves, especially in regions where groundwater and agricultural resources are critical.
Agricultural Concerns
Above-average temperatures during post-monsoon months can disrupt crop cycles. Rabi crops, such as wheat and mustard, rely on cooler winter temperatures for optimal growth.
The warm October could potentially stress these crops, leading to reduced yields.
Farmers may face challenges adjusting sowing and irrigation schedules to adapt to unpredictable climate patterns.
Water Resource Challenges
The prolonged warm conditions also stress water resources, which are already vulnerable in many parts of India.
Higher temperatures can accelerate evaporation from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, reducing the available water supply for agriculture, industry, and household use.
Regions like central India, which depend heavily on groundwater, could see a more rapid depletion of water resources, worsening an already pressing issue.
Public Health Impacts
Prolonged exposure to heat can also negatively impact public health, increasing risks of dehydration, heat strokes, and other heat-related illnesses.
With their dense populations and limited green cover, urban areas are particularly vulnerable to heat waves. Cities may need to adopt heat action plans to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations.
Northeast Monsoon and Weather Expectations for November
While October remained warmer than expected, IMD forecasts suggest that northwest India may continue to experience above-average temperatures into November.
In contrast, southern India is likely to see increased rainfall due to the onset of the northeast monsoon.
This seasonal rainfall typically affects the southeastern coast and can help balance regional water availability, although it does little to alleviate the warmth in the north.
Pollution Crisis in Northern India Post-Diwali
The prolonged warm weather has been compounded by worsening pollution, especially in urban areas like Delhi, where air quality typically deteriorates post-Diwali due to firecracker use despite bans. On November 1, 2024, several parts of Delhi recorded air quality.
India’s record-breaking October temperatures are a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change on our planet.
The unusual heat has wide-ranging implications, from disrupting agricultural cycles and stressing water resources to posing serious public health risks.
As the nation continues to grapple with these challenges, it becomes increasingly important to adopt sustainable practices and policies to mitigate the effects of a warming climate.
