India Experienced Extreme Weather on 93% of Days in First Nine Months of 2024, Report Reveals

India’s battle with extreme weather events has reached unprecedented levels, with a recent report revealing that the country faced extreme weather on 93% of days between January and September 2024. The report, published by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), highlights the frequent and devastating impacts of climate change on India. These extreme weather conditions spanned heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones, affecting millions across the country. Such events not only disrupt daily life but also cause severe economic damage, agricultural losses, and significant threats to human health and biodiversity.

Key Highlights of the Report

The report notes that India experienced extreme weather on 271 out of the 292 days in the first nine months of 2024. This marks a worrying increase from previous years, showcasing a trend that could have long-term consequences for India’s social and economic fabric. Extreme weather events in India are categorized to include erratic rainfall, high temperatures, unseasonal cold, floods, landslides, and storms. These events, driven largely by human-induced climate change, have now become almost constant.

Major Impacts of the Extreme Weather Events

India’s agriculture sector has been hit particularly hard. Floods have inundated farmlands, washed away crops, and disrupted planting and harvesting cycles. Additionally, rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns have adversely affected crop yields, leading to potential food security concerns. According to the CSE report, farmers in multiple states have reported crop losses, which could lead to increased food prices and inflation, impacting the overall economy.

Cities across India have also faced extreme temperatures and erratic monsoon patterns. Delhi, for example, experienced record-breaking temperatures this year, and the monsoon season was marked by heavy rainfall in short bursts, resulting in urban flooding. Such extreme weather patterns put immense pressure on infrastructure, public health, and resource management. The urban floods and heatwaves disrupt transportation, overburden health systems, and exacerbate water shortages, posing risks to urban populations.

Rising Health Concerns

The health consequences of frequent extreme weather events are equally concerning. Exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of heat strokes and respiratory issues, especially in urban areas where the heat island effect worsens conditions. Floods lead to waterborne diseases, as stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing cases of dengue and malaria. Moreover, the psychological toll of living under the constant threat of natural disasters contributes to stress and anxiety among the population.

Factors Driving Extreme Weather in India

Several factors drive the increase in extreme weather events in India. Climate change is the primary factor, with global warming causing shifts in weather patterns, increased frequency of heavy rainfall events, and intensified heatwaves. The phenomenon of La Niña and changes in the Indian Ocean’s sea surface temperatures also play a role in altering monsoon patterns and rainfall distribution. Human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, exacerbate these effects by reducing natural buffers and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy and Adaptation Measures

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events has prompted Indian authorities to explore mitigation and adaptation strategies. India has committed to climate action through international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and has developed domestic policies aimed at reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy. However, adapting to climate impacts requires more robust disaster preparedness, improved early warning systems, and sustainable development policies that prioritize climate resilience.

State governments are also working on climate action plans, focusing on sectors like agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather. In addition, promoting community awareness and fostering local adaptive measures are essential steps to prepare populations for climate-related impacts.

The Road Ahead

The findings of this report underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and building resilience to extreme weather events. As India continues to experience climate-induced challenges, it is crucial for both the government and society to act decisively. Strengthening infrastructure, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and transitioning to green energy sources are all necessary to curb the impact of climate change.

While climate change is a global issue, India’s vulnerability to extreme weather events places it in a critical position where proactive measures can make a difference. International cooperation, investment in research, and technology transfer can further support India’s efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. It is clear that climate resilience must be a priority in policy discussions, resource allocation, and urban planning to secure a sustainable future for the country.

In conclusion, the report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, India faces an uphill battle to protect its people, economy, and environment from the growing threats posed by climate variability.