SHILLONG, Jan 7: January, typically known as the coldest month of the year in Meghalaya, has shown unusual temperature patterns this year. The lowest temperature recorded so far is 5.6 degrees Celsius on January 2, which is higher than what is usually expected during this period. While Shillong had experienced sub-zero temperatures as recently as 2018 (-0.7°C), recent years have seen a gradual increase in winter temperatures. In 2024, the lowest temperature recorded in January was 3°C.
However, rain and thunderstorm have been predicted across East Khasi Hills on Wednesday, and that likely might lead to a dip in the temperatures in East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi.
The rise in winter temperatures in Meghalaya is being increasingly linked to climate change, deforestation, and urbanisation. Studies indicate that these factors are significantly altering weather patterns in the region.
A study published in Scientific Reports highlights that the average land surface temperature (LST) in Northeast India, including Meghalaya, has increased by 6.31°C over the last two decades (2002–2021). At the same time, the region has witnessed a mean rainfall decrease of 50.54 mm, which further exacerbates the effects of warming.
In Meghalaya, urbanisation is playing a key role in altering temperatures. Satellite imagery-based studies show that settlement areas in Shillong have experienced a temperature rise of 4.3°C between 1993 and 2023, with similar increase seen in agricultural and barren lands.
Projections indicate that urban settlements in Shillong will expand significantly by 2030 and 2050, which could intensify the urban heat island effect.
The rapid expansion of settlements and loss of forest cover in Meghalaya are directly contributing to higher temperatures and disrupted rainfall patterns. This not only affects the climate but also local water sources, which are already under stress.
Deforestation is another major concern. Meghalaya’s forests, known for their biodiversity and carbon-sequestering ability, are facing growing threats from logging and shifting land use. Forest loss reduces the state’s capacity to regulate temperatures and retain water, further aggravating the effects of warming winters.
The impacts of these changes are evident in Shillong and Tura, which have been facing water shortages despite the state’s high annual rainfall. Seasonal streams often dry up during winter, while reduced water levels affect hydroelectric power generation, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and human systems.
Meghalaya’s winter is no longer chilly like what it once was, and this shift marks the larger challenges posed by a changing climate. Immediate and collective efforts are required to address these issues before the changes become irreversible.