Winter in India has been experiencing irregularities and milder temperatures in recent years due to various factors. These include:
- Climate Change: Global warming has led to overall temperature increases, including during winter. This has resulted in warmer winters across the globe, including in India, where winter temperatures are not as low as they used to be in many regions.
- Changing Weather Patterns: The Indian subcontinent is experiencing changes in its weather patterns, including fluctuating monsoon seasons and shifting jet streams. These changes can affect the intensity and duration of winter.
- Urbanization: The increasing urbanization and deforestation in India contribute to the “urban heat island” effect, where cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon can cause winters to feel less cold, especially in metropolitan areas.
- El Niño and La Niña Events: These climatic phenomena in the Pacific Ocean can significantly impact the weather in India. An El Niño event, for example, tends to bring warmer conditions and weaker monsoons, which can result in milder winters.
- Air Pollution: High levels of air pollution in urban areas can trap heat in the atmosphere, making winters feel warmer. This is particularly evident in cities like Delhi, where smog and pollution have intensified in recent years.
Overall, while winter still comes in India, these factors combined lead to less severe and more erratic cold spells.
