Maharashtra’s Rising Temperatures: A Threat to Climate Stability

For more than two decades, Maharashtra’s yearly temperatures have consistently soared above normal levels, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A senior meteorologist at the IMD highlighted this alarming trend, emphasizing its link to climate change and the heightened vulnerability Maharashtra now faces.

Recent global reports confirm the severity of the situation, declaring 2023 as the warmest year on record, surpassing pre-industrial levels by 1.48 degrees Celsius. Maharashtra mirrors this trend, with temperatures steadily climbing since the turn of the century. From 1875 to 1970, the state’s average temperature mostly remained below normal, but since then, instances of above-normal temperatures have surged.

Multiple studies by both private and government bodies echo concerns about Maharashtra’s susceptibility to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones, further exacerbated by the escalating temperatures.

K S Hosalikar, head of climate research in Maharashtra, underscored the urgent need for action. He highlighted a positive anomaly in temperatures over the past few decades, emphasizing the necessity of a dedicated ministry or department for climate science and planning. Hosalikar stressed the importance of understanding climate impacts and developing resilience across various sectors, including water, agriculture, and health.

In Pune, temperatures have consistently hovered one to two degrees above normal this year. Vineet Kumar, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, noted a similar trend, urging attention to rising temperatures and their implications.

The United Nations defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities since the 1800s. The IMD plans to engage with the Maharashtra government to establish a dedicated climate ministry, aiming to address sector-specific challenges and formulate comprehensive climate action plans.

As Maharashtra grapples with escalating temperatures and their repercussions, proactive measures and robust policy decisions are imperative to safeguard the state’s climate stability.