As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, three key weather phenomena are responsible for warmer days in winter this year. The absence, presence, strength, and other related characteristics of these phenomena affect temperatures in the Indo-Gangetic region.
Firstly, the presence of an anti-cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan continues to bring in dry and warm winds from the west. Over the past few days, temperatures have risen mainly due to strong anti-cyclone winds fueled by this system.
Secondly, the 2015 El-Nino that made the year warmest on record, is also being viewed as the reason behind a warmer winter. Although El-Nino years are attributed to higher temperatures in the region during winter, India’s temperatures during the winter season (basically during the post-Monsoon period) have remained on the higher side since 1980. With this year’s El-Nino yet to peak, winter across the Indo-Gangetic plains may not force you to pull out more woolens.
Lastly, the absence of stronger Western Disturbances (WDs) has led to marginally less intense snowfall over the hilly parts of North India, and as a result, lesser number of rainy spells over the Indo-Gangetic plains. This too has not allowed temperature in the region to register a fall. With the usual flow of north westerlies altered, and the presence of warmer south-westerly/south-easterly winds over the plains, temperatures rose leading to warmer conditions.
Skymet Weather expects the current weather conditions to persist till January 10 or so. After this, the temperatures usually rise. Also, fewer number of heavy snowfall days might also emerge as a highlight of this year’s winter.
Simply speaking, this year’s winter is warmer and there are no second thoughts about it. But this also translates into a much more pleasant New Year’s Eve for all of us in the plains.
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