IMD Study Reveals Climate Shifts in India Over 70 Years
IMD Study Reveals Climate Shifts in India Over 70 Years
IN · Published Oct 24, 2026
• A study conducted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has analysed climate changes across India from 1951 to 2020 using observed rainfall and temperature data.
• The study categorised meteorological subdivisions into climate classes based on the Köppen-Geiger system and compared maps across successive 30-year periods.

Impact & Risks

The study highlights significant regional climate shifts that could impact agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. Northwest India's increased aridity may exacerbate water scarcity and affect crop yields, while the wetter conditions in peninsular India could alter agricultural practices and biodiversity. In Maharashtra, regions like Marathwada and west Vidarbha have shifted towards hotter, drier climates, potentially increasing drought risks. The Konkan coast, on the other hand, has grown wetter, which may influence local farming and infrastructure. These changes are tied to rising temperatures and falling rainfall, with additional factors such as the negative phase of the Victoria Mode affecting moisture distribution.

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