Searing changes

Context:

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently mentioned that February 2023, had been the warmest since 1901 with the average maximum temperature at nearly 54°C.

Abnormal temperatures:

• The usual temperature range: While February is considered to be a ‘spring’ and a ‘winter month’ by the IMD and usually posts temperatures in the low 20s.
• The recorded highs: Average maximum temperatures were 1.73°C above normal and minimum, 0.81°C above what is usual.
• Approaching summers: Heatwaves during March-May are likely to spread over most parts of India, except for the north-east, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and coastal Karnataka.