India may experience extreme winter this year with some states hitting 3 degrees; All you need to know
India is gearing up for an exceptionally harsh winter, as forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has pointed to the onset of the La Niña phenomenon in September 2024, which is expected to cause a significant drop in temperatures and increased rainfall across the country. La Niña, the cooler counterpart to El Niño, is characterised by lower sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, leading to widespread climate effects, including colder and harsher winters.
According to the IMD's announcement on September 2, 2024, La Niña is likely to result in a severe winter. Typically, La Niña begins between April and June, strengthening between October and February, and can last from nine months to two years. It is driven by strong easterly winds pushing ocean waters westward, which cools the ocean surface. This contrasts with El Niño, which brings warmer conditions.
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 3°C. Additionally, the combination of colder weather and increased rainfall could impact agriculture, particularly in areas that rely on winter crops.
The IMD has urged citizens to prepare for the impending winter by securing adequate heating, stocking essential supplies, and staying updated on weather reports. The government is also expected to implement measures to minimize the
