In 2024, average minimum temperatures in India were above normal throughout 11 months

In 2024, not a single month experienced normal temperatures which includes the average maximum, minimum and mean temperatures during the first 11 months so far. 

Amongst these, the difference between average minimum temperatures recorded in the months and deviation from the normal (1981-2010 average) have been much more. 

With the exception of March, ten of India's first eleven months in 2024 saw minimum temperatures that were in the top ten highest since records began in 1901, a span of 123 years.

However, this does not imply that March was a ‘normal’ month. Its average minimum temperature was still 0.43°C above normal, making it the 15th highest on record.

This underscores a consistent trend: average minimum temperatures were above normal across all eleven months of the year.

This year, India experienced its highest average minimum temperatures since weather records began in 1901 during four consecutive months: July, August, September and October. 

According to data maintained by India Meteorological Department (IMD), each of these months set new records for the highest average minimum temperatures in 123 years (since 1901).

Minimum temperatures surged to historic heights, peaking in October with an astonishing 1.78°C above the norm—a record not seen in 123 years.

It also recorded the highest average minimum temperature of 21.79°C, surpassing the previous record of 21.28°C set in 1951. Additionally, the mean temperature in October reached an unprecedented 26.92°C, breaking the earlier record of 26.71°C from 1951.

Three out of four regions — Northwest India, Central India, and South Peninsular India — recorded their highest average minimum temperatures for October in 123 years. Meanwhile, East and Northeast India reported its third-highest average minimum temperature since records began in 1901.

Another year, another record

Among the regions, northwest India recorded the highest anomaly in October, with an average minimum temperature 2.25°C above normal, followed by Central India at 2.07°C above normal. The average minimum temperature in northwest India reached 18.98°C, the highest since 1901, surpassing the previous record of 18.92°C set in 1951. 

Additionally, the mean temperature in Northwest India was the second highest on record at 25.63°C, with a departure of 1.90°C from the normal. The highest mean temperature for October in the region was 25.71°C, recorded in 1951.

On December 3, 2024, the IMD announced via a tweet that November 2024 saw an average minimum temperature 1.05°C above normal, marking it as the seventh-highest on record for the month.

Looking ahead, the IMD has predicted that December 2024 is also likely to witness above-normal minimum temperatures across most parts of the country. This raises the possibility of setting another record for average minimum temperatures.

This fleeting year is expected to set a new record for high average minimum temperatures in India due to persistent anomalies throughout the year. Similar patterns were also noted in 2023. As 2025 approaches, this appears to be the new normal.