November 2024 The Hottest Since 1901, 'Above-Normal' Winter Likely To Continue

The month of December has begun and people are still waiting for the 'real' winter chill to set in. Read the IMD's major update regarding the 2024-25 winter here.

December has begun, but many parts of India, including Delhi, are still experiencing temperatures fit for early summer. Usually, Delhi starts shivering with the winter chill from late October or early November. However, this year's winter onset was completely different. In fact, this November turned out to be the hottest for the entire country in 123 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

The temperature does drop in the morning and evening but remains around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the day. This time, temperatures could be higher than normal in most parts of the country from December to February.

Hottest November Since 1901

November 2024 was the hottest month in the country since 1901. The maximum temperature this November was 29.37 degrees Celsius. The minimum and average temperatures this November across the nation were 1.05 degrees Celsius and 0.84 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The temperature in Delhi was also higher than normal in November, the IMD said. This November was the hottest in Delhi in 14 years. People felt a chill in the morning and evening in November, but the strong sun during the day made them sweat. 

It usually starts getting cold in November and by December, it is 'freezing' (by Indian standards). But this time, the weather has been different. In fact, there has been no rain in Delhi since the monsoon retreated. The weather has remained dry since the beginning of September. The lack of post-monsoon rain can be attributed to the Western Disturbances. Post-monsoon rain was recorded in parts of South India. This is why the onset of a severe cold is delayed.

Above-Normal Minimum Temperatures  

According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperatures will remain normal in early December. There will be no major changes during this time. "However, during the upcoming winter season (December 2024 to February 2025), above-normal
minimum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country," the IMD has said.

On the other hand, "Below-normal cold wave days are expected over most parts of northwest, central, east and northeast parts of country during the upcoming winter season," the IMD statement read.