Meghalaya Faces Higher-than-Usual January Temperatures as Climate Change Takes a Toll

SHILLONG: 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 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 thunderstorms 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 urbanization. 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.

Urbanization is playing a key role in altering the temperatures of Meghalaya. Satellite imagery-based studies show that settlement areas in Shillong have experienced a temperature rise of 4.3°C between 1993 and 2023, with a similar increase seen in agricultural and barren lands.

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