February 2023 hottest in 122 years |
People living in India are getting ready to experience an unusual summer season. India has witnessed the hottest February on record. The average maximum temperature for the month rose to 29.5℃, the highest since 1901. The average minimum temperatures for the month, too, remained above normal by 0.8℃, indicating the onset of yet another sweltering summer. According to the India Meteorological Department, from March to May, both day and night temperatures are expected to remain above normal over most parts of the country, except the southern states, where they are likely to be normal to below normal. The IMD has also warned of an increased probability of occurrence of heatwaves over many regions of Central as well as Northwest India through the season. After the 2022 record-breaking summer, which claimed several lives and caused staggering crop loss and power crises across the country, this is seen as an early warning. IMD said that there is certainly a likelihood of heatwaves in March, especially in Central India, but it is relatively “low”. The rainfall is also expected to be below normal in March for Northwest India and adjoining parts of Central India. While climate change continues to impact weather patterns across the globe, the exceptionally warm conditions in February were directly linked to the lack of western disturbances and the formation of an anti-cyclone.
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