El Niño Threat Looms Over India’s Monsoon, WMO Issues Early Warning
Global weather body predicts possible El Niño impact; heatwave likely to intensify across several regions of India
New Delhi: There is growing concern for India as the El Niño phenomenon may affect the country’s monsoon this year. According to the latest report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), El Niño could become active during the later part of the year, potentially impacting the Indian monsoon.
However, weather experts have cautioned that it is still too early to make a definite prediction. While the situation requires close monitoring, experts say there is no immediate reason for panic.
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Heatwave likely to intensify
Apart from the possible impact on the monsoon, the WMO has also warned that global temperatures could rise significantly above average between March and May. Signs of this trend are already visible in India, where several regions are experiencing intense heatwave conditions.
Next three days crucial: Temperatures to rise in North India
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime temperatures in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh could remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal over the next three days.
Similarly, the plains of northwest India including Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh may record temperatures 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal.
In addition, temperatures in parts of southeastern peninsular India are expected to remain 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above average during the next five days.
Experts say: Stay alert, not alarmed
Climate experts believe that predicting El Niño at this stage would be premature. Former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Madhavan Rajeevan, said that El Niño may become moderately active in the latter half of the monsoon season. However, there is still considerable uncertainty in current forecasts, and a clearer picture is likely to emerge by June.
Heatwave alert in Konkan
The IMD’s regional centre in Mumbai has also issued a five-day weather forecast for the Konkan region. A warning of severe heat conditions has been issued for North Konkan.
On March 10 and 11, districts such as Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, and Raigad are expected to witness rising temperatures, and residents have been advised to take necessary precautions.
