Spring season ‘disappearing’ in many States, shows study

Subject: Geography

Section: Climatology

Context:

A 50-year study of meteorological data across Indian states and territories reveals a significant warming trend, particularly affecting the winter and spring seasons.

Details of research findings:

Researchers from Climate Trends analyzed average monthly temperatures from 1970 to the present, covering 33 states and union territories, to examine the impact of global warming.
They found that every region experienced ‘net warming’ during winter, with Manipur registering the highest increase of 2.3°C and Delhi the lowest at 0.2°C.
Winter was identified as the fastest warming season in 12 regions, closely followed by autumn in 13 regions.
Distinct regional patterns emerged, with southern India experiencing substantial warming in December and January, while the northern regions showed weaker warming or even cooling during these months.
However, all areas warmed in February, with the northern regions experiencing a stark contrast between the cooler January temperatures and much warmer conditions in February, suggesting an abrupt transition to warmer weather that traditionally occurs in March.
Significantly, Rajasthan and eight other states and territories recorded a warming difference of more than 2°C between January and February, supporting observations that spring feels markedly shorter in many parts of India.
The study also linked the observed warming trends and reduced winter rainfall in northern India to changes in Western Disturbances and jet stream patterns, which are crucial for bringing moisture to the region during winter.

Source: TH