India's meteorological department confirmed on Wednesday that 2024 was the hottest year in the country's history since records began in 1901. The soaring temperatures in the world's most populous nation mirrored the global trend of extreme weather driven by climate change.

"The year 2024 was the warmest year on record since 1901," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department. He added, "The annual mean land surface air temperature across India in 2024 was 0.65 degrees Celsius above the long-term average for the 1991-2020 period."

Last month, the United Nations announced that 2024 was set to be the warmest year ever recorded globally, concluding a decade marked by unprecedented heat and extreme weather events.

Heatwaves and Climate Change Impact
India endured its longest recorded heatwave in 2024, with temperatures surpassing 45°C (113°F). In May, New Delhi experienced a heatwave that matched the capital's record high temperature of 49.2°C (120.5°F), first recorded in 2022.

The year 2024 saw climate change fueling a series of extreme weather events worldwide, triggering natural disasters that caused billions of dollars in damage.

India's Climate Commitments
As the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, two decades later than most industrialized nations. However, the country remains heavily dependent on coal for power generation, contributing to its emissions footprint.

Global warming, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, extends beyond rising temperatures. Warmer air holds more moisture, and warmer oceans accelerate evaporation, resulting in more intense storms and downpours. These cascading effects cause widespread destruction, including property damage and crop losses.

India’s record heat in 2024 underscores the growing urgency for global action to combat climate change and mitigate its increasingly severe impacts.