2021 Fifth Warmest Year In India Since 1901

Last year was the fifth warmest for India in the last 121 years - after 2016, 2009, 2017 and 2010 - according to the Annual Climate Statement 2021 released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. The revelation comes in the backdrop of an intensifying global fight against the ongoing climate crisis.

India recorded its annual mean air temperature at 0.44 degree Celsius above normal, according to the IMD as per PTI.

IMD scientists said a particularly warm winter and the post-monsoon season in 2021 led to the increase in mean temperature last year.

In the winter months of January and February last year, the seasonal mean temperature was 0.78°C above normal and during the post monsoon season, between October and December, the mean temperature was 0.42°C higher than normal.

1750 deaths have been reported as a result of extreme weather events like floods, cyclonic storms, heavy rain, landslides, lightning, among others, during the year, it also said.

According to the MeT department, thunderstorms and lightning reportedly claimed 787 lives in India in 2021, while 759 people died in heavy rainfall and flood-related incidents in the year.

Cyclonic storms claimed 172 lives and 32 others died due to other extreme weather events, the statement informed.

(With inputs from agencies)