Impact of Climate Change on India’s Spring Season

Context

Indian States have been gradually registering a withdrawal of spring season — a period of relatively benign weather between the winter of January and the scorching summers of April. 

• Researchers from the agency Climate Trends calculated the monthly average temperature for 33 States and Union Territories from 1970-present. 

Climate Change Impact on Spring Season: Key Highlights of the Study

• Rising Temperatures during Winter: Climate Trends researchers examined temperature trends from 1970 and found a consistent rising tendency during the winter across all locations.
• Increase in Temperature across India: Manipur had the highest temperature increase (2.3°C) since 1970, while Delhi had the smallest (0.2°C).
• Temperature Variations in India: Southern India witnessed substantial warming in December and January, with Sikkim and Manipur particularly affected.
  • Rajasthan, along with Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, experienced a dramatic warming surge between January and February (2.6°C).
• Lesser Warming and Cooling in North India: Northern India had lesser warming or even cooling in December and January, but a significant rising trend in February, indicating rapid shifts to warmer temperatures.
• Role of Western Disturbance: The disappearance of spring season in many parts of India is related to changes in the pattern of Western Disturbances and the jet stream, which influence winter temperatures and rainfall distribution.

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