Alarming Temperature Trends in India: A Climate Central Study Reveals Rising Heat in March and April

A recent study conducted by Climate Central has revealed alarming trends in temperature increases across India, particularly in the months of March and April. The study, which analyzed data from 1970 to 2023, found that both of these months have seen significant warming trends, leading to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous heat conditions in many parts of the country. In comparison to the early 1970s, temperatures around the time of the Holi festival (celebrated in March) have risen drastically.

In states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar, the likelihood of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius has increased from just over five percent to nearly 14 percent. This trend is mirrored in several other states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, where the probability of experiencing extreme heat during Holi has also risen significantly. The study also examined temperature trends in specific regions of India.

The northern and western regions of the country have seen the most significant warming during March, with Jammu and Kashmir experiencing an average temperature increase of 2.8 degrees Celsius since 1970. In April, the warming trend has been more evenly distributed, with Mizoram recording the largest increase of approximately 1.

9 degrees Celsius over the same period. An analysis of 51 cities across India revealed that nearly 73 percent of them now have at least a one percent chance of reaching temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Furthermore, 11 cities have a probability of 10 percent or more, indicating a significant increase in the risk of extreme heat events.

Bilaspur, in particular, stands out with a 31 percent chance of experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, which is 2.5 times higher than in the 1970s. The primary driver behind these warmer March and April temperatures is global warming.

The excessive emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution has led to a steady increase in global temperatures. The average global temperature has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial era, with the Indian subcontinent experiencing a 0.

7-degree Celsius increase since 1900. It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the impact of climate change on India's temperature patterns. As extreme heat events become more frequent and intense, the health and well-being of millions of people across the country are at risk.

It is crucial for policymakers, communities, and individuals to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and adapt to a changing climate. In conclusion, the findings of the Climate Central study underscore the pressing need for increased efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of extreme heat. By taking decisive action now, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for India and the planet as a whole.