India braces for an intensely harsh winter as La Niña takes hold

As temperatures drop and rainfall intensifies, India is preparing for one of the harshest winters in recent years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the onset of La Niña, the cooler counterpart of El Niño, is expected to bring a severe cold wave across the country. With the phenomenon having started in September 2024, it’s anticipated to cause significant disruptions, especially in northern and central regions.

La Niña, which typically strengthens between October and February, is driven by strong easterly winds pushing warmer waters westward, allowing colder sea surface temperatures to prevail in the eastern Pacific. While El Niño is notorious for bringing warmer and drier conditions, La Niña's cooling influence often results in frigid winters, increased rainfall, and altered weather patterns worldwide.

Bitter cold awaits India

For India, this means much more than just chilly nights. The IMD's forecast suggests northern states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are likely to experience severe cold, with temperatures potentially dropping to 3°C or lower. These freezing conditions, combined with heavy rainfall, are expected to stretch across other parts of the country, disrupting day-to-day life.

This extended winter could particularly impact India's agriculture sector. With La Niña extending the monsoon season, the rainfall has already disrupted crop cycles, delaying the retreat of the monsoon. The cooler temperatures could pose further challenges for winter crops, which are crucial to the country’s food security.

A widespread global phenomenon

While the effects of La Niña will be felt across India, it is a global phenomenon with far-reaching consequences. Increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic, droughts in South America, and wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia are already being observed, underlining the phenomenon's influence on weather systems around the globe.

For India, the IMD's warnings are timely. The department has urged citizens to prepare by securing heating systems, stocking up on essentials, and staying informed about weather changes. The Indian government is expected to launch contingency plans to minimise the impact, especially in vulnerable areas.

What lies ahead

Communities across the country, especially in rural and remote regions, may face significant challenges due to increased cold and rainfall. Access to food, healthcare, and infrastructure could be disrupted, and those dependent on winter crops will need to navigate a difficult growing season. However, with accurate information, preparedness, and the proactive efforts of government and local bodies, these challenges can be mitigated.

As the IMD continues to monitor La Niña, its advisories will be critical for communities to plan and adapt. One thing is clear: India’s winter of 2024 will not be a typical one. The country must brace for potentially historic cold, but with caution and preparation, the impact can be managed.