India experienced its warmest year on record in 2024, with temperatures soaring to +0.65°C higher than the long-term average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks a significant increase from the previous warmest year in 2016, with temperatures reaching +0.9°C higher. The IMD has been monitoring weather patterns since 1901, making this the hottest year on record so far.
The IMD Director-General, Mrutunjay Mohapatra, highlighted the impact of climate change on India’s weather patterns, noting a steady rise in minimum temperatures over the last few years. The minimum temperature in various regions of the country hit record highs in January, February, and from July to October. Additionally, the mean temperature in October was the highest recorded.
In terms of rainfall, India saw its second-highest levels in the southern peninsula in 2024, with December experiencing the highest precipitation since 2001. The post-monsoon period from October to December saw varying levels of rainfall, with October near normal, a 55% deficit in November, and extremely excessive rainfall in December, 73% above the long-term average. Overall, the October-December period saw near-normal rainfall levels.
The IMD also reported regional disparities in rainfall patterns, with the north-west region receiving 16.5% deficient rainfall, while the East and North-East regions saw a 75.9% deficit. In contrast, the Southern Peninsula and Central regions received 185.8% and 151% excess rainfall, respectively.
Globally, 2024 is expected to be the warmest year on record, in line with the trend observed in India. The IMD’s data underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. As the country grapples with the consequences of climate change, sustainable solutions and adaptation strategies will be crucial in safeguarding the environment and securing a stable future for generations to come.
