Explained: Why Is The Present Temperature During November Higher Than Average?

People around the world have prepared themselves for the winter. However, the weather forecasts reveal that the said winter might get delayed, with the start of November recording warmer temperatures than usual. It is because global weather conditions have shifted as the autumn and winter seasons overlap.

What are the present weather conditions in India?

As per the latest prediction by The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indians may have to wait a little longer for the arrival of winter. It said the country might record higher-than-average temperatures for most of November, especially the nights.

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As predicted by the weather department, significant parts of northern hill states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, etc., will also experience higher day temperatures. The IMD has also predicted cloudy weather over these, as even the minimum temperatures will be higher than usual. Moreover, there will probably be no coldwave conditions during November, as per the prediction.

As for the northern plains, even the nights in November won't be as chilly as usual. Usually, this region starts experiencing colder nights in the middle of November. However, this year, people would have to wait till late November or early December to experience chilly nights. The same has been predicted for India's southern, eastern, and northeastern regions.

How are the weather conditions in the USA and Europe?

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The eastern states of the USA are experiencing final days of warmth, with exceptionally high temperatures recorded every day since the start of November. Those living in almost every eastern state, from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico, may need to wait a little longer to escape the warmth and experience winters. High temperatures were recorded in significant parts of the Gulf Coast, the Plains, and the Midwest Ohio Valley till Monday. Even the lowest temperatures recorded in major cities like New York, Boston and Albany are the highest than all previous years.

Not only the USA but a majority of countries in Europe are experiencing similar bouts of intense warmth in November. The recent heat waves in these countries have dwindled, but the pace has been too slow. As a result, most of Europe has been experiencing off-season humidity and warmth since November.

What are the reasons behind these warmer-than-average days in November?

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A heat dome that formed over the eastern parts of the USA intensified till last weekend. This dome created a high-pressure zone, like the one developed in late summer. The heat dome is also being aided by the weak jet stream in the West and the development of a subtropical storm in the North Caribbean. These factors have only increased the intensity of the warm temperatures created by the heat dome. Consequently, eastern parts of the USA and Europe are experiencing late summer-like conditions, with higher humidity and warmer days.

As for India, climate change has also been responsible for the late arrival of the winter season. The IMD has also predicted cloudy weather in most parts of the country. These cirrus clouds contain little moisture and are responsible for retaining heat till night. Thus, besides the warmer temperatures during the day, Indians won't get any significant relief during the night either.