Weather Report: Extreme Winters Expected in 2024, Some States May Hit 3 Degrees in India
Weather Report: Extreme Winters Expected in 2024, Some States May Hit 3 Degrees in India
India braces for an exceptionally cold winter in 2024, as the La Niña phenomenon is expected to bring significant drops in temperature and increased rainfall, particularly in northern states. The IMD has issued warnings and urged citizens to prepare for a challenging season.
India is set to face an unusually severe winter in 2024 due to the onset of the La Niña phenomenon, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). La Niña, known for causing cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific, disrupts global weather patterns, leading to harsher winters. This year, the phenomenon is expected to bring extremely low temperatures across India, with some northern states potentially seeing temperatures as low as 3°C.
The IMD announced on September 2, 2024, that La Niña’s effects will likely cause a significant drop in temperatures, along with increased rainfall. The phenomenon usually begins between April and June, peaking between October and February and can last for several months to two years. The strong easterly winds that push warm ocean waters westward cause cooling in the Pacific, which in turn affects global climates.
Northern regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are expected to experience the coldest temperatures, with parts of these states bracing for especially frigid conditions. The cold wave could also have significant impacts on agriculture, especially in areas dependent on winter crops.
The IMD has urged the public to prepare for this challenging season by ensuring proper heating, stocking essential supplies and staying informed with weather updates. The government is also likely to introduce measures to help mitigate the effects, especially in vulnerable regions.
The La Niña-driven extension of the 2024 monsoon season, with unusually heavy rainfall in southern and central India, has already disrupted normal weather patterns. Globally, La Niña has led to more intense hurricane activity in the Atlantic, droughts in parts of South America and wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia.
The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to issue updates as the winter progresses. Timely preparations and awareness can help minimize the challenges posed by this extreme weather event
