Himachal and MP experienced highest number of Extreme weather events in 2023

In 2023, India faced extreme weather almost every day of the year, with all states and Union territories experiencing these harsh conditions at least once, India endured extreme weather conditions on 318 of the 365 days in 2023, affecting every state and Union territory, according to findings from the Centre for Science and Environment's "State of Environment 2024" report.

3,287 human lives were lost, alongside 1.24 lakh animal fatalities. The agricultural sector, a lifeline for millions, suffered with 2.21 million hectares of crops ravaged. Himachal Pradesh experienced the highest frequency of extreme weather, with 149 days affected, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh with 141 days, and both Kerala and Uttar Pradesh with 119.

The types of extreme weather varied, with heavy rains, floods, and landslides occurring on 208 days, and lightning and storms on 202 days. Heatwaves scorched the land on 49 days, while cold waves chilled it for 29 days, and cloudbursts brought sudden devastation on nine occasions.

The winter months of January and February experienced extreme weather on 28 of the 59 days, affecting 21 states and Union Territories. Punjab and Haryana were most affected, with extreme weather reported on 15 days each. These two months were also warmer than the average temperatures recorded between 1981-2010, with February’s daytime and mean temperatures being 1.86°C and 1.36°C warmer, respectively. Additionally, the period was drier than usual, exacerbating the impact of the extreme conditions.

Seasonal Breakdown

• Winter: The year commenced with a winter that saw 28 of 59 days marked by extreme weather, affecting 21 states and Union Territories. Punjab and Haryana topped the list with 15 days of severe conditions.
• Pre-Monsoon: The pre-monsoon period was no less forgiving, with 85 of 92 days experiencing extreme weather across 33 states and UTs. Maharashtra faced the highest number, with 41 days of tumultuous weather.
• Monsoon: The monsoon season, typically a respite, turned treacherous with all 122 days marred by extreme conditions, spreading across all states and UTs.

The pre-monsoon season, spanning March to May, was marked by extreme weather on 85 of the 92 days, impacting 33 states and Union Territories. Maharashtra experienced the highest frequency of such events, with 41 days of extreme weather, followed by Rajasthan with 32 days.

Despite near-normal temperatures, the season was characterized by higher rainfall and an unusually high incidence of lightning and storms, particularly hailstorms, which were reported across almost the entire country.

The monsoon season, which typically brings relief in the form of rain, instead brought its own set of challenges. All 122 days of the monsoon were marked by extreme weather, affecting every state and Union Territory. The monsoon arrived seven days late and progressed slowly, eventually covering the entire country by June 30. This delay, combined with the influence of Western Disturbances, led to extreme rainfall events that caused widespread destruction.

2023-24 was a year of ‘polycrisis'

Extreme Weather Event Type	Number of Days
Heavy rains, floods and landslides	208
Lightning and storms	202
Heatwaves	49
Coldwaves	29
Cloudbursts	9
Snowfall	5
Cyclones	2

Bihar was the biggest sufferer in terms of deaths – 642 people lost their lives to extreme weather incidents. The largest expanse of affected crop area was in Haryana. Gujarat had the highest number of damaged houses, and Punjab accounted for the maximum number of animal deaths.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Dialogue, CSE director general Sunita Narain pointed out that 2023-24 was a year of ‘polycrisis’ – “a period when we are losing our many, multiple conflicts, among them our war with nature; our war with humans (read Ukraine and Gaza); and our war of control over minerals and technology (where China plays a significant role).”

She added: “We must reinvent the narrative of environmental management. Technological fixes will not be enough. We will need to strengthen our regulatory institutions.”

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