Nagaland sees rising climate variability: Report

DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): Nagaland continues to experience diverse and increasingly variable weather patterns, with significant differences in rainfall and temperature across districts, according to the Meteorological Report of Nagaland 2025 published by the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation.
The report stated that Sechü recorded the highest annual rainfall at 2,901.2 mm, while Meluri received the lowest. Dimapur remained the hottest station, recording temperatures of 34°C during June and July, whereas higher-altitude districts experienced relatively cooler conditions.
The southwest monsoon continued to be the main source of rainfall, with July to September recording the highest precipitation across most districts. Bhandari registered 1,507.2 mm of rainfall over 99 rainy days, with September being the wettest month. The report also noted considerable fluctuations in rainfall over the past decade, indicating increasing climate variability.
According to the report, changing weather patterns have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, infrastructure and disaster management. It said reliable meteorological data helps farmers plan cropping seasons, enables authorities to prepare for floods and landslides, and supports long-term water conservation and resource management.
The report further highlighted the growing impact of climate-related disasters. During 2024-25, windstorms, cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides caused casualties, damaged roads, disrupted water supply systems, affected livestock and poultry, and damaged schools and irrigation infrastructure.
It stressed the need for improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable resource management as extreme weather events become more frequent.
Describing the publication as more than a compilation of weather statistics, the report said understanding local climate trends was essential for strengthening resilience to climate change and supporting informed planning, environmental conservation and livelihood protection across the state.