Guwahati: A recent study conducted by Climate Central, a US-based organization of climate scientists and researchers, has revealed substantial temperature changes across India, with Manipur experiencing the most significant shift since 1970, recording an increase of 2.3°C. In contrast, Delhi observed the smallest change at 0.2°C.
The analysis, which spans from 1970 to the present, highlights how February temperatures have become warmer, resulting in a noticeable absence of the traditional spring season. It notes that winter has emerged as the fastest-warming season in 12 out of the 34 states and territories analyzed.
Dr. Andrew Pershing, VP for Science at Climate Central, explained, “The cooling observed in central and northern Indian states during January, followed by a rapid warming trend in February, creates the potential for a sudden shift from winter to spring-like conditions. Human activities such as burning coal and oil have contributed to global warming, leading to warmer temperatures across all seasons in India.”
Titled “Winter Temperature Trends Across India: Faster Warming in February Makes Spring Feel Shorter,” the study identifies notable differences in temperature patterns during the winter season. Southern regions of the country experience significant warming in December and January, with Sikkim and Manipur recording the largest temperature changes during these months.
Conversely, the northern part of India witnesses weaker warming and even cooling during December and January, with Delhi and Ladakh registering the lowest rates of temperature change during this period. However, the pattern shifts dramatically in February, with all regions experiencing warming, especially those areas that previously exhibited cooling or low warming trends.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded the highest warming at 3.1°C, while Telangana reported the lowest increase at 0.4°C during February. This significant temperature contrast between January and February suggests that regions in northern India may undergo abrupt transitions from cool winter-like temperatures to much warmer conditions traditionally associated with March.
The findings underscore the complex interplay of climate factors shaping India’s seasonal transitions and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate the impacts of global warming on regional climates.
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