India Sees Driest, Warmest January in Over a Century: IMD Report
India experienced its driest January in five years and the warmest January since 1901, according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The country recorded rainfall 31.5% below the long-term average, coupled with significantly higher temperatures.
Key Climate Highlights for January 2024
- Rainfall: 9.1 mm against a 13.2 mm Long-Period Average (LPA).
- Overall Temperature: Mean temperature of 21.04°C, 1.28°C above average.
- Rainfall Deficiency: Highest in Northwest India (83%), followed by Central India (75%).
- Cold Wave Days: Only 1 day reported against a normal of 3.
Record-Breaking Temperature Extremes
The IMD’s monthly climate summary reveals unprecedented warmth. January 2024 was not just the warmest on record since 1901, but also saw extreme highs in both minimum and maximum temperatures.
The all-India mean minimum temperature was 13.82°C, marking the fourth warmest minimum since 1901. More strikingly, the mean maximum temperature reached 28.26°C, making it the second warmest maximum on record for January.
Rainfall Distribution and Deficiencies
The rainfall deficit was severe and widespread. Only 10 meteorological sub-divisions received normal or excess rainfall, while 25 faced deficient or large deficient conditions.
Region-wise, Northwest India bore the brunt with an 83% shortfall. Central India followed with a 75% deficiency. The east and northeast region saw a 32% deficit, while the southern peninsula recorded 30% below-normal rainfall.
Fog and Cold Wave Patterns Shift
The report notes a significant shift in winter weather patterns. The number of cold wave days plummeted to just one against the usual three.
While general foggy days were lower (10.4 days vs. normal 13.2), the country experienced more days of dense fog—7.6 days compared to the normal average of 5.6 days.
The IMD’s data underscores a clear trend of warmer and drier winter months, aligning with broader patterns observed in recent years.
