Why in the News
The World Meteorological Organization has indicated high chances of the development of El Niño in the second half of 2026, after the current **La Niña conditions weaken and transition to ENSO-neutral.
What is El Niño?
- El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
- It is a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- This warming disrupts global atmospheric circulation and affects weather patterns worldwide.
ENSO Phases
- El Niño (Warm Phase)
- Warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures.
- Often linked to weaker monsoon rainfall in India.
- La Niña (Cool Phase)
- Cooler-than-normal Pacific waters.
- Often associated with stronger monsoon rainfall in India.
- ENSO Neutral
- Neither El Niño nor La Niña conditions.
- Currently, La Niña is weakening, and neutral conditions are expected soon.
Impact on India
- India receives over 70% of annual rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June–September).
- July and August alone contribute more than 50% of seasonal rainfall.
- If El Niño develops after July, it could reduce monsoon rainfall and affect agriculture, water supply, and food production.
Key Prelims Points
- ENSO occurs in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- El Niño years often correlate with weaker Indian monsoon, though not always.
- Monitoring agencies include IMD and WMO.
- ENSO affects temperature, rainfall, cyclones, and global climate patterns.
| [2011] La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from EI Nino? La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian ocean whereas EI Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. EI Nino has an adverse effect on the southwest monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
