The adverse impact of environmental changes is no longer hidden from anyone. According to scientists studying the environment, this time winter has felt the effects of climate change, making the spring season virtually disappear. Climate Central's extensive study has revealed the influence of global warming on weather patterns across the 34 states and union territories of India.
Seasonal Changes Underway
Climate change is a major challenge globally, and India is no exception. The adverse effects of climate change are becoming evident, and recent statistics support this. A new report from Climate Central, which studies the environment, states that climate change is causing significant shifts in India's seasons, especially during the winter months. In some places, temperatures are rising during winter, while in others, they are dropping. Many people feel that the spring season following winter seems to be vanishing.
Earth's Temperature Has Increased
Dr. Andrew Pershing, Vice President of Science at Climate Central, notes that after a temperature decrease in January across central and northern Indian states, the rapid increase in February signifies a transition from winter to summer-like conditions. The use of coal and oil as fuel has significantly increased the Earth's temperature during all seasons in India.
Record-Breaking in 2023
Since 1850, the global average temperature has increased by more than 1.3 degrees Celsius, marking 2023 with a new record. The primary reason for this temperature rise is the increasing level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Climate Central's report aims to assess India in the context of global climate change trends and study the changes occurring here, with a focus on the winter season.
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1970 Saw the Most Global Warming
The report calculates the monthly average temperature for India's 33 states and union territories, with a particular focus on the period from 1970 to the present, as this was when the most significant global warming occurred. The ongoing data recorded reflects this. For each state or union territory, the report studies the impact of global warming during every three-month seasonal period, tracking the temperature rise.
Spring Season Vanishing
Many Indians say that the spring season seems to have disappeared. The temperature now shifts quickly from winter to summer-like conditions. In their attempts to study this perception, Climate Central's experts have examined where in the country this belief is most applicable.
Winter Warming, Manipur Sees the Highest Increase
Temperature increases during winter have been recorded across each region included in the study. Since 1970, Manipur has seen the highest increase at 2.3 degrees Celsius, while the nation's capital, Delhi, has the lowest increase at only 0.2 degrees Celsius. Among the 34 states and union territories involved in the study, winter was found to be the fastest-warming season for 12 states and territories. Winter comes in second place for the fastest warming season following autumn across 13 regions.
Changing Winter Patterns
Notable differences have also been observed in the pattern of temperature changes during the winter season in the country. According to the report, southern parts of India saw higher temperature increases in December and January. The data indicates that Sikkim experienced the highest temperature change at 2.4 degrees Celsius in December and Manipur at 2.1 degrees Celsius in January.
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The northern parts of India witnessed weaker temperature increases or even colder conditions during December and January. Delhi recorded the lowest rates, with -0.2 degrees Celsius in December and -0.8 degrees Celsius in January. In other states, Ladakh saw an increase of 0.1 degrees Celsius in December, and Uttar Pradesh experienced -0.8 degrees Celsius in January.
The temperature pattern between January and February changes dramatically. According to the report, February temperatures rise across all regions, notably in areas that were colder or less warm earlier. Jammu and Kashmir saw the greatest increase, becoming 3.1 degrees Celsius warmer, while Telangana recorded the smallest increase at 0.4 degrees Celsius.
Rajasthan Sees Major Temperature Increase
The significant variation between January’s trends (minimal or slight increase) and February’s rapid temperature rise in Northern India means these regions are now prone to sudden shifts from winter chill to summer-like warmth, typically seen in March. To highlight this change, the difference in the rate of temperature increase between January and February was calculated, showing Rajasthan experienced the largest temperature increase, with February being 2.6 degrees warmer than January.
More than nine states and union territories experienced a temperature difference of over 2 degrees Celsius between January and February. These states include Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. These facts support reports suggesting that the spring season seems to be disappearing across many parts of India.
This study used the ERA5 (European Environment Agency) daily average temperature data from January 1, 1970, to December 31, 2023. ERA5 is a scientific method using computer models to provide data by matching meteorological figures from weather stations, balloons, and satellites.
