Published By: Soham Halder

2024 Weather Recap: India’s Year of Extreme and Unexpected Patterns

From heatwaves and unprecedented rainfall to cyclones and intense cold spells, India witnessed a spectrum of weather related challenges in 2024.

The year 2024 became a remarkable chapter in India’s climatic history with high number of unprecedented and extreme climatic events which significantly impacted human lives, agriculture, and infrastructure. As 2024 comes to an end, let's discuss India’s tumultuous weather year and its broader implications.

The Heatwave That Pushed Limits:

The summer of 2024 became unforgettable for many reasons. It has witnessed one of the most intense heatwaves in this country with northern and central states recording temperatures around 50°C for consecutive days. People in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh were the worst sufferers. The prolonged heatwave led to severe water shortages, reduced agricultural yields, and more health emergencies. Urban areas reported higher mortality rates due to heatstroke, while people in rural India struggled with decreasing groundwater levels.

(Credit - Insta/@indiatoday)

Unprecedented Rains & Flood Havoc:

States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha witnessed erratic rainfall, with extremely heavy downpours inundating both urban and rural areas. Mumbai saw its wettest June in the decade, paralyzing the city’s transport system. The eastern state of Assam received incessant rains displacing thousands and causing massive damage to crops and livelihood.

Cyclones in Unusual Seasons:

A cyclone named Asna originated in the Arabian sea in August. Usually, cyclone formation in the Arabian Sea during August is highly rare as only three are recorded in last 130 years. Similarly, the Bay of Bengal saw a higher-than-usual frequency of cyclones in atypical months. Coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal witnessed considerable damage due to high-speed winds, tidal surges, followed by infrastructure collapse.

(Credit - X/@WIONews)

The Winter Chill:

The northern Indian states including Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh recorded massive drop in temperature in January and February. This extended cold season raised questions about the changing dynamics of India’s winter patterns.

Devastating Landslide:

God's Own Country, Kerala has suffered another huge blow due to devastating landslide claiming hundreds of lives, vanishing roads and villages. A minute of nature's fury can cause catastrophic results, and the vulnerable area of Kerala faced torrential rain of over 4 hours! Vehicles, shops, and even houses were swallowed by the earth leaving the whole landscape totally unrecognisable.

Agriculture Takes the Hit:

India’s agrarian economy faced the toughest challenge due to erratic weather patterns. The heatwave destroyed summer crops while unprecedented rains damaged standing kharif crops. It has further impacted rabi crop sowing. Broadly, all these factors led to reduced yields and escalating food prices.

(Credit - X/@PGDynes)

Lessons Learned and the Way Forward:

So, what's causing this unusual climatic pattern? Scientists attributed these extreme patterns to global warming, deforestation, and urbanization. India, a highly vulnerable zone to climate-induced disasters, should focus on adaptation strategies immediately. This must include expanding greenery, investing in renewable energy, as well as enhancing disaster-resilient infrastructure to mitigate future risks.

The year 2024 served as an alarm for scientists, policymakers and communities. Now, our strategy should focus on better forecasting system, community awareness, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable urban planning. As we step into 2025, the lessons of the year 2024 must guide toward a more resilient future.