New Delhi: India’s experience with extreme weather in 2024 has been marked by a dramatic increase in both frequency and intensity of climate events, reflecting the growing threat of climate change.
Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cold waves, cyclones, floods, lightning strikes and landslides, have dominated the year, with the country witnessing these events on 93% of the days from January 1 to September 30. This period saw extreme weather events recorded on 255 of the 274 days, which is a sharp rise compared to previous years.
Loss of life and destruction of property
According to Centre for Science and Environment report, the toll of this 2024’s extreme weather events has been staggering. As of September 30, 2024, India lost 3,238 lives, with 550 of those fatalities recorded in Kerala, the hardest-hit state. Following Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Assam also saw significant loss of life, with 353 and 256 deaths, respectively.
In addition to human casualties, over 9,457 livestock were killed, and 235,862 homes were destroyed across the country. The total damage is likely to be an underestimate, as incomplete data collection means losses, particularly in public property and agriculture, have not been fully accounted for.
Agricultural damage
The agricultural sector has borne the brunt of the weather’s wrath. Extreme weather affected over 3.2 million hectares of crops, a sharp increase from the 1.84 million hectares impacted in 2022. The majority of the damage occurred in Maharashtra, where over 60% of the affected crop area was reported.
Madhya Pradesh followed with significant crop losses, particularly in its vulnerable farming regions. However, the full extent of the damage cannot be accurately quantified due to missing data from key agricultural states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
The ripple effect of such destruction has been devastating for farmers, many of whom already face significant challenges. The weather’s impact on crops is expected to result in economic losses that will continue to affect the livelihoods of millions.
Extreme weather trend: What the data shows
This year’s extreme weather events were not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing trend. Between January and September, India recorded extreme weather on 255 days, surpassing the number of days with extreme weather in 2023 (235 days) and 2022 (241 days).
This reflects an overall increase in the frequency of these events over the past three years, with 2024 seeing the highest number of extreme days in the last three years.
How different states were affected
Different regions of the country experienced extreme weather events at varying frequencies. Central India, including states like Madhya Pradesh, was the hardest hit, experiencing extreme weather on 218 days. The Northwest region followed closely, with extreme events on 213 days. This increased frequency of extreme events has led to a devastating impact on agriculture, particularly in rain-fed areas that depend heavily on seasonal rains.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Assam recorded the highest number of extreme weather days, with Assam witnessing these events for 111 days in total. Kerala, with the highest fatalities, also experienced extreme weather on 102 days. States in the South Peninsula, such as Andhra Pradesh, faced damage to both property and crops, with 85,806 houses destroyed in the state alone.
Record-breaking climate changes
The year 2024 has set multiple records for extreme climate events. January was India’s ninth driest month since 1901, while February recorded the second-highest minimum temperature in 123 years. May saw the fourth-highest mean temperature on record, and both July and August set new records for the highest minimum temperatures since 1901.
These records are not just numbers; they signal a clear change in the climate, pushing the country into an era of “new normal.” The extremes we are witnessing in 2024 are a direct consequence of the rapidly changing climate, with rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increasingly unpredictable seasons.
What lies ahead: A clear path forward?
The trajectory of climate events in 2024 offers a sobering outlook for the future. Climate models consistently predict that extreme weather events will continue to rise in both frequency and severity in the coming years. This year’s events have already surpassed previous records, and as climate change accelerates, the “new normal” may continue to shift toward even more frequent and intense weather disruptions.
India must begin to rethink its approach to climate change, moving from reactive disaster relief to proactive risk mitigation. Governments, institutions and citizens must work together to build resilience through sustainable practices, better infrastructure, and improved early warning systems.
