October recorded a noteworthy weather milestone, with Safdarjung, Delhi’s principal weather station, recording the hottest October since 1951. The maximum temperature hit 35.1°C, and the minimum was 21.2°C, shattering existing monthly records.
A look back at temperature records from the preceding century reveals some interesting trends. The highest average maximum temperature recorded in October was 36.2°C in 1951.
Other warm years include 1907 (35.5°C) and 1941 (35.8°C). Furthermore, October 1930 and 1938 recorded the highest temperatures of 35.0°C. It’s been decades since a temperature similar to these measures was observed.
When it comes to minimum temperatures, 1915 and 1951 had the highest averages at 22.3°C, followed by 1941 at 22.1°C. This implies that nights during those years were also quite warm, leading to a generally warmer climate.
The huge temperature spike in October startled climate scientists, who believe it is caused by global warming and other environmental changes. They underline that the record heat not only affects daily life, but also serves as a warning about climate change.
The high temperatures in October 2024 are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. Experts emphasize the need of understanding these changes and taking proactive steps to promote climate resilience and sustainability.