El Niño Expected to be the Strongest in Four Decades

New Delhi. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that this year’s El Niño could be the strongest and most intense in the last 40 years, as sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean continue to rise. This El Niño is set to disrupt weather and rainfall patterns across many countries, with adverse consequences for global agricultural production.

To mitigate the negative impacts of this weather cycle, India and several other nations will need to implement proactive, alternative precautionary measures. According to the WMO, the influence of El Niño could lead to extreme heat in some regions, while rainfall patterns may become uncertain and erratic. The possibility of droughts in certain areas and devastating floods in others cannot be ruled out.

An unprecedented surge in the strength and intensity of this El Niño is anticipated, with its peak impact expected to persist over the coming months. Notably, El Niño has already contributed to a weaker southwest monsoon in India, and it is also likely to result in reduced winter rainfall.