IMD says this July was 6th warmest ever, blames rain deficiency
NEW DELHI: Last month was the sixth warmest July on record with a mean temperature of 28.52 degree C, 0.55 degree C above normal according to climatological data maintained by India Meteorological Department, Pune. It was the third warmest July when minimum temperatures are considered and eighth warmest in terms of maximum temperatures. This July was marked by extremely warm nights almost all over the country except Peninsular India which recorded above normal rains in July. Climatological data also indicates that four of five warmest Julys on record have been in the past decade indicating a rising trend in temperatures in recent years.
There was a 7% rain deficiency in July over the country with a 26% deficiency over east and northeast India; 7% deficiency over northwest India and central India but 27% excess rain over Peninsular India. Monsoon had covered most parts of the country except parts of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab by June 19 but monsoon entered a “break” phase thereafter till July 11. OP Sreejith, head, climate monitoring and prediction group, IMD Pune said high minimum and maximum temperatures in July are linked to deficient rain and a long dry spell.
The warmest July recorded was in 2019 logging a mean temperature of 28.65, 0.68 degree C above normal; the second warmest July was in 2015 recording a mean of 28.63 degree C, 0.66 degree C above normal; the third warmest July was recorded in 1987 with a mean of 28.61 degree C; the fourth warmest July was recorded in 2014 and fifth warmest in 2020.
The maximum temperature this July was 32.16, 0.54 degrees above normal and the eighth warmest on record. The highest July maximum was recorded in 1987 at 32.52 degree C, 0.91 degrees above normal followed by 2015 when a maximum of 32.45 degree C was recorded, 0.82 degrees above normal.
“Temperatures were high because clouding was less in the first half of July. Rainfall picked up in southern parts of the country in July. Many factors may have contributed to a warm July including climate change. In recent years temperatures are high and making records,” said a senior meteorologist from IMD who did not wish to be named. .