This Summer Affects The Indian Weather... HOW?

El Nino

El Nino is, occurs due to changes in the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America, its effects in general and its effect in India

El Nino 2023 Unusual Warming

Recently, an unusual phenomenon is developing along the equatorial Pacific region, indicating the emergence of El Nino conditions in 2023. Experts warn that this simultaneous warming of the eastern and western regions of the equatorial Pacific, a trend last observed in 2009, could have severe implications for marine life worldwide.

Causes for this Phenomenon

The eastern Pacific is getting warmer, which should make the west cooler.

However, due to global warming, there is basin scale warming across the tropical Pacific.

Two things could have triggered this phenomenon

Global warming in the Pacific and other modes of natural variability

The transition from La Nina winter into an El Nino summer which is part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.

Previous El Nino Events

El Nino events of 1982-83 and 1997-98 were the most intense of the 20th century.

During the 1982-83 event, sea surface temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific were 9-18° F above normal.

The El Nino event of 1997-98 was the first El Nino event to be scientifically monitored from beginning to end.

The 1997-98 event produced drought conditions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Peru and California experienced very heavy rains and severe flooding.

The Midwest experienced record-breaking warm temperatures during a period known as “the year without a winter.”

The El Nino, along with global warming, had made 2016 the warmest year on record.

Impact El Nino 2023 on India

Weak Monsoon for India: The development of an El Nino in May or June 2023 may cause weakening of the southwest monsoon season, which brings around 70% of the total rainfall India receives and on which most of its farmers still depend.

However, sub-seasonal factors such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and monsoon low-pressure systems can temporarily enhance rainfall in some parts as witnessed in the year 2015.

Hot Temperatures: It may also cause heatwaves and droughts in India and other regions around the world such as South Africa, Australia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands.