NATIONAL : India experienced its hottest October since 1901, with the average temperature hitting 26.92 degrees Celsius — that’s 1.23 degrees above the normal October average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). And it looks like November might not bring much relief either.

IMD Director General Mrityunjay Mohapatra explained that the warmer weather was largely due to the absence of cooling western disturbances and the unusual presence of easterly winds, caused by active low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal.

“In north-western India, north-westerly winds are needed for lower temperatures. The monsoonal flow was also there that does not allow fall in temperature,” Mohapatra said.

The minimum temperatures also rose above normal, with the average reading reaching 21.85 degrees Celsius instead of the usual 20.01 degrees. In the coming two weeks, northwestern plains can expect to stay about 2-5 degrees warmer than average, but a gradual cooling trend should begin soon afterward.

Although November isn’t technically considered a winter month, Mohapatra said hints of cooler weather usually start in December, with January and February bringing the coldest days of winter.

Financial Express