The year 2024 has officially been declared the hottest in India since temperature records began in 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With an annual mean temperature of 25.75°C, the year was 0.65°C warmer than the long-term average (1991–2020), surpassing the previous record set in 2016 by a significant margin of 0.11°C.
IMD noted that the final three months of 2024 October to December were the warmest on record. October, in particular, stood out as the hottest single month in 123 years. These alarming figures reflect a broader global trend, as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed 2024 as the hottest year worldwide. For the first time, global temperatures exceeded the Paris Agreement threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Releasing its outlook for January 2025, the IMD forecasted above-normal minimum (night) temperatures across most parts of India. However, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Bihar are expected to see temperatures closer to or below normal levels.
Speaking on the weather for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which begins on January 13, IMD Chief M Mohapatra suggested that colder-than-usual nights could be expected during the festival period. A detailed forecast will be issued closer to the event, he added.
Rainfall in January is expected to be above normal across much of India, a phenomenon that could benefit winter crops if the distribution is uniform. Northern India, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, is likely to witness particularly strong rainfall during the month. However, certain parts of the northwest, northeast, and central regions may see normal to below-normal rainfall.
The record-breaking temperatures of 2024 and the unusual weather patterns forecasted for January underscore the accelerating impacts of climate change. As global warming intensifies, these figures serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
