India Experiences Hottest August Since 1901, September Rainfall Expected to Be Below Normal The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that August 2026 was the hottest August on record since 1901, with average temperatures surpassing historical norms. The month saw a significant rise in temperatures, with the national average reaching 28.01°C—well above the typical 27.34°C observed during the same period in previous years. This unprecedented heatwave has raised concerns about the impact on agriculture, water resources, and public health. The IMD’s analysis indicates that the extreme temperatures were exacerbated by the strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon, a climatic event characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño is known to disrupt global weather patterns, often leading to reduced monsoon rainfall in parts of South Asia. The department’s director general, Dr. Mritunjay Mahapatra, highlighted that the El Niño-driven warming of the Pacific has already begun to influence weather systems, with the potential to further intensify the heatwave in the coming weeks. The implications of this trend extend to the upcoming monsoon season. According to the IMD, September 2026 is expected to see below-normal rainfall across much of the country. The department’s forecast suggests that the long-period average (LPA) rainfall for September could be 9% lower than the historical norm. The LPA, which represents the average rainfall over a 30- to 50-year period, is a critical indicator for agricultural planning and water resource management. The connection between El Niño and the monsoon season is well-documented.#india #el_nio #bay_of_bengal #indian_meteorological_department #dr_mritunjay_mahapatra
