India experienced its hottest October in 124 years. October 2024 had an average temperature of 26.92 degrees Celsius, surpassing expected levels by 1.23 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Minimum temperatures for October also reached record highs, the highest since the IMD started its records in 1901.
Delhi specifically recorded its warmest October in 73 years. The average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures at Safdarjung were noted as 35.1 degrees Celsius and 21.2 degrees Celsius respectively. This marks the fourth-highest average daytime temperature and the sixth-highest average nighttime temperature for October recorded since 1901.
According to IMD data from 1901, the highest average daytime temperature for October occurred in 1951 at 36.2 degrees Celsius, while the highest average nighttime temperatures were 22.3 degrees Celsius in both 1915 and 1951.
The trend is expected to continue.
Notably, this warming pattern is predicted to carry over into November, with the IMD forecasting temperatures above the average for much of the month. Specifically, Northwest and Central India are likely to experience higher-than-normal minimum temperatures due to a drier monsoon season than usual. Additionally, South Peninsular India may receive more rainfall this month.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra linked this unusual warmth across India to a lack of active western disturbances, which usually help cool temperatures in the region, as well as the development of several low-pressure systems, including a cyclone. These elements have led to increased easterly winds, which contributed to the high temperatures.
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