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Annual and Seasonal Mean Temperature in India from 2001 to 2023

UID: EN-20240829-IN-01

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Source

EnviStats India 2024

Last Updated

September 2, 2024

Time Range

2001-2023

Periodicity

Annual

Overview

Annual mean temperature refers to the average temperature over a year for a specific location. It is calculated by taking the average daily or monthly temperature readings throughout the year. The measurement is typically expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), although Fahrenheit (°F) is also used in some countries. On the other hand, seasonal mean temperature refers to the average temperature during specific seasons, such as winter, spring, summer, and autumn. In climates with well-defined seasons, these measurements can vary significantly, reflecting the natural changes in temperature throughout the year. Both annual and seasonal mean temperatures are essential metrics in meteorology and climate science, providing insight into the long-term climate patterns and variability of a region. They are derived from daily temperature observations collected at weather stations and analyzed to understand temperature trends over time.

Trends & Insights

There is a clear warming trend in India’s annual mean temperature over the 23-year period. The annual mean temperature has increased from 25.61°C in 2001 to 26.15°C in 2023, representing a rise of 0.54°C. This trend aligns with global observations of climate change and indicates that India is experiencing noticeable warming. The year 2016 stands out as the warmest year in the dataset with an annual mean temperature of 26.21°C. This coincides with global records that also identified 2016 as one of the hottest years on record, likely influenced by a strong El Niño event. Looking at seasonal patterns, the Jan-Feb winter period shows considerable variability but with a general warming trend. The mean temperature for these months increased from 20.81°C in 2001 to 21.47°C in 2023. This suggests milder winters in recent years, which could have implications for agriculture, winter tourism, and ecosystem balance. The March-May pre-monsoon season, typically the hottest period in India, shows fluctuations without a clear linear trend. The highest mean temperature for this season was recorded in 2010 at 28.91°C. Recent years like 2022 (28.68°C) have also seen high temperatures, indicating intensifying heat waves during these months. The monsoon season (June-Sept) exhibits a noticeable warming trend. The mean temperature for this crucial period has risen from 27.91°C in 2001 to 28.77°C in 2023. This warming during the monsoon months could potentially affect rainfall patterns, agricultural productivity, and water resource management across the country. The post-monsoon season (Oct-Dec) also shows a warming trend, with mean temperatures increasing from 23.62°C in 2001 to 24.24°C in 2023. This could lead to extended summer-like conditions and a delayed onset of winter in many parts of India. Interestingly, the data reveals some year-to-year variability that doesn’t always follow the overall warming trend. For instance, 2008 had a notably cooler Jan-Feb period (20.29°C) compared to surrounding years. Such variations highlight the complex nature of climate systems and the influence of short-term climate phenomena. The consistent increase in temperatures across all seasons, particularly in recent years, suggests that India is experiencing the effects of global climate change. This warming trend could have far-reaching impacts on various sectors including agriculture, water resources, energy demand, public health, and biodiversity. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive climate change adaptation strategies in India. Policymakers and stakeholders should consider these temperature trends when planning for future infrastructure, agricultural practices, and public health initiatives. Moreover, this data reinforces the urgency of global and national efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to limit further temperature increases.

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Citation

Please cite this article using proper attribution to 360 Analytika when referencing or sharing our content.

EnviStats India 2024. (2024). Annual and seasonal mean temperature in India from 2001 to 2023 (360 Analytika, Ed.) [Dataset]. 360 Analytika. https://360analytika.com/annual-and-seasonal-mean-temperature-in-india/

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