February’s local weather usually marked by chilly, rain, and fog, has taken an alarming flip with Delhi’s minimal temperature reaching round 12 levels Celsius. This surprising climate sample prompts a query: Are we heading in the direction of an early onset of extreme warmth in March? With world warming and the El Niño impact, there is a looming risk of record-breaking temperatures, paying homage to final 12 months when March temperatures soared close to 40°C.
Surprising February Climate
Final 12 months set a precedent with month-to-month temperature data, leaving folks eager for cooler climate till December. The absence of snowfall in mountainous areas left many vacationers disenchanted. The true chill of winter solely started to set in throughout January’s second week. Nonetheless, the onset of February introduced rain throughout a number of states, initially indicating a protracted winter season. Opposite to expectations, temperatures rose following the rainfall.
Delhi’s Rising Mercury on February 4
Delhi witnessed mild rainfall on Sunday (February 4), coupled with an overcast sky and no daylight. Regardless of these situations, the minimal temperature escalated to 11.9°C, three levels above the typical for this time of 12 months. Morning fog was reported in some areas, but the coldness diminished. The India Meteorological Division (IMD) recorded the day’s most temperature at round 20°C.
The Warmth of International Warming
The IMD had beforehand forecasted a milder winter for this 12 months. Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD’s Director-Common, introduced in December 2023 a lower in chilly spells. From December to February, most elements of the nation are anticipated to expertise higher-than-normal temperatures, primarily as a consequence of a strengthened El Niño close to the equator within the Pacific Ocean.
El Niño is just not solely affecting India however inflicting world climatic shifts, elevating sea floor temperatures within the central and jap Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. This phenomenon contributes to the worldwide temperature rise. On the COP28 Local weather Summit in Dubai final December, the World Meteorological Group (WMO) offered a report stating 2023 as the most well liked 12 months on file, a development largely attributed to El Niño, which is anticipated to proceed influencing temperatures this 12 months.
Bracing for a Scorching 12 months Forward
Put together for a 12 months of maximum warmth, as forthcoming days may witness a pointy improve in temperatures. The United Nations (UN) has not too long ago issued a warning that as a consequence of El Niño, temperatures this 12 months might surpass the record-breaking warmth skilled in 2023. The UN additionally appealed for important reductions in carbon emissions to sort out local weather change, noting that world warming is more likely to trigger unusually excessive temperatures as a consequence of phenomena like El Niño.
