Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Indian Monsoon Expected To Pause As El Niño Strengthens
India’s rainy-season monsoon is expected to weaken for about a week starting August 26.
Weather officials expect less rain than usual.
This may be a problem for farmers who are planting winter crops.
The lack of rain could affect how well those crops grow.
Another weather pattern called El Niño is becoming stronger.
El Niño involves unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures.
The UK’s Met Office says this El Niño could be among the strongest in more than 100 years.
Scientists expect Pacific Ocean temperatures to rise significantly above normal.
The monsoon is forecast to take a week-long break from August 26.
The India Meteorological Department expects rainfall to remain below normal.
Reduced rain could affect the winter crop season as farmers sow crops.
The El Niño weather pattern is continuing to strengthen.
The UK's Met Office says El Niño could become one of the strongest in more than a century.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department, farmers, and the UK's Met Office.
- What
- The Indian monsoon is forecast to pause for a week, with below-normal rainfall expected as El Niño strengthens.
- When
- The monsoon break is forecast to begin on August 26.
- Where
- India and the Pacific Ocean.
- Why
- The strengthening El Niño pattern is associated with significantly above-normal Pacific Ocean temperatures and may contribute to below-normal rainfall.
- Forecast start
- August 26
- Expected monsoon break
- About one week
- Rainfall outlook
- Below normal
- Potential impact
- The winter crop season could be affected.
- Agricultural activity
- Farmers have started sowing crops in several parts of India.
- Weather pattern
- El Niño is continuing to strengthen.
- International assessment
- The UK's Met Office says El Niño could become one of the strongest in more than a century.