Super El Niño Expected to Impact India's Monsoon and Global Weather
Super El Niño Expected to Impact India's Monsoon and Global Weather
India · Published Sep 21, 2026
A super El Niño event is currently unfolding, with scientists predicting it could become one of the strongest on record. This natural climate phenomenon, characterised by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to peak in late 2026 or early
According to the source, the Niño 3.4 region of the Pacific is already 2°C above average and could reach 3.4°C this winter. Historically, El Niño events have disrupted global weather patterns, including weaker monsoons in India. The phenomenon is also expected to exacerbate the effects of human-induced climate change, leading to record-breaking global temperatures and extreme weather events.

Impact & Risks

India's monsoon, which is crucial for agriculture and water resources, is likely to be weaker this year due to the ongoing El Niño. The source notes that rainfall could decrease by 15% or more, although exceptions to this pattern have been observed in the past. Globally, the event is expected to cause droughts in regions like Indonesia, Australia, and Southern Africa, while some areas may experience excessive rainfall. The economic and humanitarian toll could be significant, particularly in regions dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Scientists also warn of potential 'unfamiliar effects' due to the overlap of El Niño with global warming.

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