Spring in India is vanishing due to human-induced climate change, resulting in warmer February temperatures, as per a recent study conducted by Climate Central. The study reveals a rapid shift in many parts of northern India from winter to summer-like conditions, attributed to the increased warming rates observed in February over the past few decades.

Dr. Andrew Pershing, Vice President of Climate Science at Climate Central, noted, "The drop in temperatures in northern and central states during January was succeeded by significant warming in February, setting the stage for a swift transition from winter to spring-like weather." He highlighted that human activities such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas have contributed to global warming, leading to warmer conditions throughout the year in India.

The research analyzed temperature trends from 1970 to 2023 across India and found a consistent warming trend during the winter months of December through February, with the southern states experiencing the most substantial increases in December and January.

However, February exhibited a distinct warming pattern shift.

While northern India saw minimal cooling or slight warming in December and January, all regions experienced notable warming in February. Nine states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, recorded temperature differences of over 2 degrees Celsius between January and February warming rates.

Pershing explained, "The contrast between the cooling or marginal warming in January and the significant warming in February suggests that these northern regions are now susceptible to sudden transitions from cold winter temperatures to much warmer spring-like conditions, typically expected in March."

Rajasthan witnessed the most substantial warming, with February temperatures rising 2.6 degrees Celsius faster than January since 1970. In the northeast, Manipur experienced the highest overall winter warming at 2.3 degrees Celsius.

These findings corroborate widespread observations in India that spring appears to have vanished, with temperatures swiftly shifting from winter to summer conditions.

Pershing emphasized, "The most rapid warming is occurring during the pre-monsoon spring months, leading to an earlier onset of summer-like temperatures across India. The rapid acceleration of climate change due to human activities is disrupting traditional seasonal patterns."

The study utilized data from the high-resolution ERA5 climate reanalysis, and Climate Central advocates for significant reductions in fossil fuel use and other greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate future warming.