India recorded its hottest October in over 120 years this week. Indian Meteorological Department Let’s look forward to a warm November, without any hint of winter. The month is also likely to be rainy, with the weather bureau forecasting “heavy to very heavy rain” in parts of the country.

“There were four low pressure systems and the absence of western disturbances that could control temperatures – all contributed to the above-normal minimum temperatures in October,” the Indian Express quoted IMD chief Mrityunjay Mohapatra as saying. .

The average temperature in October was recorded at 26.92°C – the hottest since 1901 – compared to the normal temperature of 25.69°C. The minimum temperature also reached 21.85°C against the normal of 20.01°C for the whole country. Mohapatra attributed the warmer weather to absence of westerly disturbances and influx of easterly winds due to active low pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal.

Several regions of the country also recorded a rising pollution levels over the past few days amid India’s many Diwali celebrations – often in complete violation of local bans on firecrackers.

According to an official IMD press release, northwest and eastern India will witness a gradual decline in minimum and maximum temperatures in India by 2-3°C between November 3 and 7. No significant climate change is expected over the rest of the country. country for next week.

“Above normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the country, except northwest India and some parts of central India,” the weather office said.

The delay in the onset of cold weather conditions could also be due to the continued prevalence of neutral El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

The weather bureau said probability forecasts indicate a higher chance of La Niña conditions developing gradually between November and December.

(With contribution from agencies)