Super El Niño Curtails Monsoon Rains in India
• The ongoing 'super' El Niño phenomenon has reached unprecedented temperature levels, with the Pacific Ocean's temperature rising to 3.05°C above the 1991-2020 average, surpassing the previous record of 3.02°C set in
• This event, described as the strongest in at least 1,000 years, is already impacting global weather patterns. In India, the phenomenon has curtailed vital monsoon rains, which are crucial for agriculture and water resources. The El Niño is expected to peak at 4.0°C in November and December, according to climate models. This extreme event is exacerbating the effects of human-induced global warming, leading to significant disruptions worldwide.
Impact & Risks
In India, the reduction in monsoon rainfall due to El Niño poses severe risks to agriculture, water availability, and food security. Farmers dependent on monsoon rains may face crop failures, potentially leading to economic losses and increased food prices. Globally, the phenomenon is causing droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events, with the World Food Programme warning that 50 million people could face acute hunger. The cascading effects of this 'super' El Niño, combined with climate change, are amplifying risks to health, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
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