iGrain India - The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that January 2025 will see higher-than-normal temperatures in most parts of India. Specifically, the minimum temperatures across much of the country are expected to be above normal, except in some areas of north-west, east, and central western India.
Similarly, the maximum temperatures are also predicted to be higher than usual, excluding certain regions in north-west, central, and eastern India.
The IMD has also warned that cold waves may last longer than usual in the western and northern parts of central India during January.
Regarding rainfall, northern India is expected to experience below-average rainfall between January and March, with a reduction of up to 15% compared to the long-period average (LPA), which stands at around 184.3 mm.
This period of reduced rainfall is anticipated to be significant, potentially affecting the agricultural sector.
In particular, the states of northern and north-western India—such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir—are major producers of Rabi crops like wheat, mustard, lentils, and peas.
These crops rely heavily on winter rains, particularly those brought by western disturbances. Although the region received good rainfall in late December and may see more rain between January 4-6, the reduced overall rainfall in this quarter could impact crop development.
Additionally, heavy snowfall in high-altitude mountainous areas has increased the cold in the plains, leading to a significant drop in temperatures.