India is gearing up for onset of winter conditions and is currently undergoing weather transition. Fog conditions have been reported from northern parts of the country. There has been slight change in maximum and minimum temperature in several parts of north India. IMD observed slight fall in maximum and minimum temperature over Delhi/NCR during past 24 hours. The maximum and minimum temperature over Delhi is currently in the range of 30-32°C and 14 -19°C respectively. The lowest minimum temperature of 13.2°C was reported at Mandla in East Madhya Pradesh yesterday.
What Did IMD Say About La Nina?
Regarding the arrival of winter in the country, IMD had earlier forecasted La Nina conditions forming by October-November. It suggested a potential harsh winter for north and northwest India, central region, including Delhi-NCR. Severity of the winter will be later demined as La Nina strengthens in the country.
What Is La Nina?
La Nina means Little Girl in Spanish. La Nina is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply “a cold event.” Its effect are the opposite of El Niño. La Nina brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. La Nina is a climatic pattern which is characterised by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which lower temperatures and increases rainfall.
La Nina is associated with various climate shifts globally, which includes heightened hurricane activity in the Atlantic, droughts in parts of South America, wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia.
La Nina begins during April and June, strengthens between October and February, and can last from nine months to two years.
Changes Expected In India Due To La Nina
IMD on September 2, 2024 had confirmed the possibility of severe winter due to La Nina. It said that La Nina conditions is likely to prevail in September and north India will witness heavy rain as a result of it. This phenomenon typically begins between April and June and is driven by strong easterly winds that push ocean waters westward, cooling the ocean surface. IMD had forecasted a rainy September as La Nina or a cooling of the central Pacific Ocean was expected to take root in September.
Different regions in India are expected to experience varying degrees of winter severity. Northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir may see especially frigid conditions, with temperatures potentially falling as low as 3Additionally, the combination of colder weather and increased rainfall could impact agriculture, particularly in areas that rely on winter crops.
IMD informed that different regions in India will record varying degrees of winter severity. Northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive frigid and extremely cold condition. The temperature is likely to fall as low as 3°C. It further stated that extreme cold conditions and increased rainfall can hamper agriculture, specifically in areas that rely on winter crops.
Current Weather Condition In India
Dense to very dense fog condition has already been reported form northern parts of the country. Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi have begun to report fog conditions.
IMD Forecast For This Week
Furthermore, IMD has predicted no significant change in minimum temperatures over northwest and central India during next 4-5 days. It also mentioned that there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures over East India during next 2 days but it will gradually fall by 3-4°C thereafter for subsequent 3 days.
