IMD predicts below-normal cold wave days in central India for Jan-Mar period

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department on Monday forecast cold wave days for the central part of the country over the next three months starting January. During the period, the temperature is also likely to be above normal minimum, it said.

Notably, the cold wave starts when minimum temperature plunges to 4°C or less, and termed ‘severe’ cold wave when it dips to 2°C or below. The condition should continue for three straight days for it to be considered as one cold wave event.

The below normal cold wave days means this season there would be lesser number of cold wave days than the previous year’s winter, the IMD said. Above normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the country except some pockets of north and northeast India.

According to Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, “India’s wheat growing region didn’t receive enough rainfall till December but the deficit will be made up in upcoming months with above normal rainfall, which will also help the crop.”

Interestingly, the maximum and minimum temperatures in the country are preternatural. The minimum temperatures are above normal while maximum temperatures are below normal. Most of the northern region has minimum temperatures above 2-4°C. Similarly, the maximum temperatures are -1°C to -7°C below the normal temperatures. As per the IMD, El Nino is expected through the northern hemisphere winter 2023-24. A transition to ENSO-neutral is anticipated in April-June 2024.