2 hrs ago

Powerful El Niño May Become Strongest on Record

El Niño is a natural climate pattern that starts in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

During El Niño, usual winds weaken and warm water moves toward the eastern Pacific.

This changes air movement and can affect weather far away.

Scientists say the current event could become the strongest ever measured, although its peak has not arrived.

It may continue into early 2027.

Some parts of India could become warmer and drier, affecting crops and air pollution.

Indonesia and Australia could face more wildfire danger.

Ocean ecosystems may also be disrupted because fewer nutrients rise to the surface.

Climate change did not cause El Niño, but it may make some of its extreme effects worse.

Key facts

Climate pattern: El Niño is one phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, alongside La Niña.
Current outlook: Scientists warn the event could become the strongest on record.
Expected duration: Forecasts indicate it may persist into early 2027.
India: Some regions could experience a warmer, drier winter, with risks to the Rabi crop cycle and air quality.
Wildfires: El Niño has been identified as an important factor in Indonesia’s major wildfires and may increase bushfire risk in Australia.
Marine effects: Weaker upwelling can reduce surface nutrients, potentially affecting phytoplankton and the marine food chain.
Climate change: Climate change did not cause El Niño but has raised the background temperature against which it occurs.

telegraphindia.com · 2 hrs ago