El Nino could disrupt India's monsoon, IMD warns

El Nino could disrupt India's monsoon, IMD warns

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that India's southwest monsoon could weaken again due to the strengthening of El Nino conditions over the Pacific Ocean.

The warning comes after a period of widespread rainfall across the country for nine consecutive days, bringing some relief from heatwave.

However, this respite may be short-lived as atmospheric conditions are expected to become less favorable for rainfall from mid-July onwards.

What is El Nino and its impact on Indian monsoon

El Nino is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

This phenomenon usually disrupts the southwest monsoon by altering moisture flow toward the Indian subcontinent.

The IMD has predicted that these conditions will further intensify during this year's southwest monsoon season, potentially affecting rainfall distribution across India.

MJO enters less favorable phase for widespread rainfall

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is also being monitored as it enters a less favorable phase for widespread rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.

Weather models indicate that the active monsoon phase may weaken after around July 13, with fewer low-pressure systems expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal.

This could reduce moisture transport into India and trigger a temporary break in monsoon activity.