Warmer winters have become much more frequent since the turn of the century, an analysis shows. This volatility impacts cropping patterns and rural incomes. While climate change discourse often focuses on summer heat, experts say these shifting winter temperatures need closer study because they disrupt sleep and affect our daily lives.
Warmer winters have become much more frequent since the turn of the century, the analysis shows. The volatility in temperatures has also increased during this period. Some winters have been exceptionally warm. Others have been exceptionally cold. During the transition phase between summer and winter, night time temperatures have risen faster than day time temperatures.
The climate change discourse in the country has tended to focus largely on heat stress during the summers, and the volatility in rainfall during the monsoons.
Other aspects of climate change deserve greater attention. Erratic winter temperatures can impact cropping patterns and make rural incomes more volatile. Warmer nights in the transition between summer and winter could disrupt sleep patterns. The impact of these changes needs to be studied more closely.
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