Delhi is preparing for a harsh winter as meteorologists warn that the cold season will be more intense this year due to the strengthening of the La Niña phenomenon. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that temperatures will drop significantly, raising concerns about the health and safety of vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
Why Delhi’s Winter Will Be Harsher in 2024
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), La Niña, which refers to a cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to strengthen by the end of this year. This natural phenomenon disrupts global weather patterns, leading to colder-than-usual winters in various parts of the world, including northern India.
La Niña is the opposite of the better-known El Niño. While El Niño warms the ocean’s surface, La Niña causes surface temperatures to drop by as much as 4°C, especially off the coasts of Peru and Chile. This cooling event can trigger severe winters, which is why Delhi and other parts of India are expected to experience a colder-than-usual season in 2024.
Government Prepares 21 Measures to Tackle Winter and Pollution
In anticipation of the harsh winter and worsening air pollution, the Delhi government has already announced a comprehensive 21-point action plan. These steps include the potential for work-from-home policies, especially during peak pollution periods, and the use of artificial rain to improve air quality.
Delhi’s winter is typically marked by a severe combination of cold and pollution. Every year, the city’s air quality worsens due to stubble burning in nearby states and stagnant weather conditions, leading to dangerous levels of smog. The government’s measures are aimed at minimizing the health risks associated with both cold weather and pollution.
La Niña’s Impact on Global Weather
La Niña, which translates to “the little girl” in Spanish, is a natural counterpart to El Niño. It occurs when strong winds push warm surface waters westward across the Pacific Ocean, causing colder waters to rise to the surface near the coasts of South America. This drop in sea surface temperature creates what is often referred to as a “cooling event” or “cold phase” of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
During La Niña, atmospheric circulation patterns shift, leading to different weather anomalies across the globe. For India, La Niña typically brings colder winters and may even contribute to more frequent fog and frost during the season.
What to Expect This Winter
With La Niña growing stronger, Delhi residents can expect a more severe winter season. IMD has advised caution, especially for the vulnerable sections of the population. The colder temperatures, along with heightened pollution levels, can exacerbate respiratory issues, making it essential for people to take precautions.
While the government has already rolled out its action plan, including artificial rain and work-from-home recommendations, experts suggest that individuals should also prepare for the upcoming weather. Warmer clothing, timely medical check-ups, and indoor air purifiers are recommended to minimize health risks during this period.