IMD Tags 2024 As Warmest Year In India Since 1901

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that 2024 was the hottest year in India since 1901. The average minimum temperature rose by 0.90 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. The annual mean temperature reached 25.75 degrees Celsius, which is 0.65 degrees higher than usual. The average maximum temperature was 31.25 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while the minimum was at a record high of 20.24 degrees Celsius.

Globally, the European climate agency Copernicus confirmed that 2024 likely ended as the warmest year ever recorded. Global temperatures averaged 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, indicating a significant rise in heat worldwide.

Record-breaking Temperatures

In comparison to previous years, 2024 surpassed the record set in 2016 when the mean surface air temperature was 0.54 degrees Celsius above normal. The IMD noted that July, August, September, and October had the highest average minimum temperatures ever recorded, with February being the second highest.

A report by World Weather Attribution and Climate Central highlighted that there were 41 additional days of dangerous heat globally in 2024. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra from IMD expressed concern over India's rising minimum temperatures during post-monsoon and winter seasons.

Impact of La Niña and Global Warming

The IMD mentioned that short-lived La Niña conditions might occur in January 2025, usually leading to colder winters in northern India. However, an IMD scientist stated that this is unlikely to significantly alter the warming trend observed globally.

Experts have warned that global temperatures are now consistently surpassing the Paris Agreement's threshold of a 1.5-degree Celsius increase due to escalating greenhouse gas emissions.

Long-term data shows a consistent rise in minimum temperatures across most regions in India.