The winter chill has yet to arrive in the region, with forecasts predicting above-normal temperatures for November as well. October’s minimum temperatures were also relatively high. Typically, the winter season begins in mid-November, although there have been instances in recent decades where temperatures have dropped in the early days of the month.
Official records show that the minimum temperature in November has fallen below 10 degrees Celsius only once during the first week. Between November 10 and 30, temperatures have ranged from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. As per the local media report, Praveen Kumar, forecasting in-charge at the Regional Meteorological Centre, stated that climate change has affected the region’s winter chill.
“Continuous cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal has prevented northerly winds from settling over the Central region,” he explained. Kumar noted that the warmer temperatures are primarily caused by south-easterly and easterly winds affecting the area, which are typically warmer and raise both maximum and minimum temperatures. “According to the latest predictions, maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal in November, and this year, the winter chill is likely to last fewer days than usual,” he added.