Weather News: Get ready to face severe cold after intense heat, the weather will test you at the end of the year

New Delhi: After the scorching heat in May-June this year, now get ready to face severe cold. The IMD has pointed to the onset of the La Nina event in September 2024, which is expected to lead to a major drop in temperatures and an increase in rainfall across the country. La Nina is likely to cause severe cold. Generally, La Nina begins between April and June, strengthens between October and February and can last from nine months to two years. After the scorching heat, many parts of the country have also witnessed good rainfall, after which people will now face bitter cold.There will be severe cold in India
According to the IMD’s announcement on September 2, 2024, La Nina is likely to cause severe winters. Generally, La Nina begins between April and June, strengthens between October and February and can last from nine months to two years. It is driven by strong easterly winds pushing ocean water westward, cooling the ocean surface. This is different from El Nino, which brings warmer conditions.

The intensity of the winter is expected to vary across different regions of India. Northern states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir may see particularly harsh winters, with temperatures potentially dropping to as low as 3°C. Furthermore, cold weather and increased rainfall may also have an impact on agriculture, especially in areas that rely on winter crops. The IMD has urged citizens to prepare for the upcoming winter by keeping adequate heating, stocking up on essential supplies and staying updated on weather reports.

The signs of La Nina were detected in September itself
The effects of La Nina are already being felt, with the monsoon remaining normal even in September. The delayed withdrawal of the monsoon is linked to cooling of the ocean, which has disrupted normal weather patterns, particularly heavy rainfall over southern and central India. Globally, La Nina is associated with a variety of climate changes, including increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic, drought in parts of South America, and wetter conditions over Southeast Asia and Australia.

The IMD is closely monitoring the situation. Its predictions are based on a comprehensive analysis of data, including ocean temperatures, wind patterns and historical climate trends. The upcoming winter will challenge many things across India, especially in rural and remote areas, where cold temperatures and increased rainfall can cause significant difficulties. However, with timely preparation and accurate information, the impact can be managed.

What is the La Nina effect?
La Nina is a phenomenon of changes in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather around the world. Some of the effects of La Nina are as follows:
➤During La Nina, winds blow faster than normal and push warm water toward Asia.
➤Upwelling increases along the US west coast, bringing cold and nutrient-rich water to the surface. La Nina typically brings cooler weather to the northwest and warmer weather to the southeast.
➤La Nina strengthens the monsoon in India, leading to heavier and longer rainfall.
➤Increase in rainfall also increases agricultural production, especially beneficial for rain-dependent areas.