IMD forecasts severe winter for India this year

La Niña, marked by cooler sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, is expected to bring severe winter conditions and increased rainfall across India. Northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir may experience particularly harsh conditions, with temperatures potentially dropping to 3°C.

India is bracing for an unusually severe winter, as forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to the onset of La Nina in September 2024. La Nina, the cooler counterpart to El Nino, is marked by lower sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which leads to significant climate changes, including colder and wetter winters. La Nina typically begins between April and June, intensifies between October and February, and can last from nine months to two years. It is caused by strong easterly winds pushing ocean waters westward, leading to a cooling of the ocean surface.

In India, La Nina is expected to bring a sharp drop in temperatures and increased rainfall. Northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir may experience particularly harsh conditions, with temperatures possibly dipping to 3°C. The colder weather, combined with heavier rainfall, could disrupt agriculture, especially in regions dependent on winter crops.

The IMD has urged citizens to prepare by securing heating, stocking essential supplies, and staying updated on weather forecasts. La Nina’s influence is already being felt, as the 2024 monsoon season has extended beyond its usual duration, leading to heavier rainfall in southern and central parts of the country.

On a global scale, La Niña is known to cause climate shifts, including more hurricanes in the Atlantic, droughts in South America, and wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia. The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates. While the upcoming winter may pose challenges, particularly for rural communities, timely preparation and reliable information can help mitigate its effects.