El Niño to Impact India's Monsoon Season, IMD Warns of Reduced Rainfall The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that El Niño, a periodic warming phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to reach India during the monsoon season. This development could lead to significantly lower rainfall compared to average levels, according to Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD's Director General. The warning comes as the IMD has already forecasted a below-average monsoon season for the upcoming months, with rainfall potentially falling short of historical norms. El Niño, which is characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific, is predicted to arrive in India by June 2026, though it may initially be weak. Mohapatra noted that the phenomenon could gain strength by late July or August, reaching full intensity by September. At that point, El Niño is expected to trigger cascading weather effects globally, including altered monsoon patterns in South Asia. The IMD's assessment aligns with predictions from international climate agencies. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and China's National Climate Center have also indicated that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months. NASA satellite data has identified a large warm pool of water in the Pacific, a key indicator of El Niño formation. Scientists highlight that this warming trend is spreading eastward, signaling the potential onset of the phenomenon. Historically, El Niño has been linked to weaker monsoons in India, with reduced rainfall leading to challenges for agriculture and water resources.#el_nino #indian_meteorological_department #dr_mrutunjay_mohapatra #australian_bureau_of_meteorology #china_national_climate_center
