Weather Rewind : Looking Back at 2024

2024 was marked by a series of extreme weather events across the country, showcasing the growing impact of climate change. Taking a look back month-by-month:

January: Recorded the ninth driest January since 1901, with significant rainfall deficits.

February: Experienced the second-highest minimum temperatures in 123 years, signaling an unusually warm month.

March: Severe heatwaves began affecting various regions, marking the start of prolonged high temperatures.

April: Faced a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures up to 38.8°C.

May: One of the longest heatwaves in history, with temperatures reaching 50.5°C in Rajasthan, causing 219 deaths and 25,000 heat-related illnesses.

June: Cyclone Remal struck West Bengal, causing heavy rains and fatalities, including a quarry collapse in Mizoram.

July: Recorded the highest minimum July temperatures since 1901, worsening heat stress.

August: Monsoon floods in Assam affected 400,000 people and killed over 200 wild animals.

September: Floods in Tripura and Gujarat caused over 31 deaths and widespread displacement.

October: Cyclone Asna disrupted coastal areas with heavy rains.

November: Reports revealed extreme weather on 93% of days in the first nine months.

December: Cyclone Fengal hit coasts of Tamil Nadu. Flooding in Andhra Pradesh disrupted life due to heavy rains.To conclude, 2024 showed us how extreme weather is becoming more frequent and intense in India. These events have caused widespread suffering, loss of life, and damage to our environment and economy.

It’s a clear reminder that we need to act quickly to adapt to these changes and work towards reducing the impacts of climate change for a safer future.