El Niño Explained: How It Could Affect India And The Rest Of The World | GFX

From delayed rains to drought fears and rising temperatures, the return of El Niño has once again put the spotlight on one of the world's most powerful climate phenomena. As scientists monitor warming waters in the Pacific, concerns are mounting over what it could mean for India's monsoon, food prices and weather patterns across the globe. Here's a look at what El Niño is, why experts are worried, and how it could affect India and the world.

Unusually warm waters in the Pacific have raised concerns about the emergence of a strong El Niño, which could influence weather patterns across continents.

El Niño occurs when surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific become warmer than usual, disrupting global wind and rainfall patterns.

Changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures alter atmospheric circulation, affecting monsoons, rainfall and temperatures far beyond the ocean itself.

Meteorologists fear that a strong event could trigger extreme weather, disrupt marine ecosystems and affect millions who rely on seasonal rains.

Not every El Niño is equally intense. Some years have seen relatively mild events, while others have brought severe droughts, floods and economic losses.

The phenomenon can bring floods to some regions and drought to others, affecting agriculture, water supplies and livelihoods across continents.

India's economy and food security are closely tied to the monsoon. A weak rainy season can impact crops, reservoirs and inflation.

Not necessarily. While El Niño often weakens the Indian monsoon, other climate factors can sometimes offset its impact and help maintain rainfall.

Experts are keeping a close eye on sea temperatures and atmospheric conditions to assess how the monsoon season could unfold across different regions.

Past El Niño years have coincided with droughts, crop failures and economic stress, highlighting the importance of accurate forecasts and preparedness.

Poor rainfall doesn't just affect agriculture; it can influence food prices, power generation, rural incomes and overall economic growth.

From heatwaves and floods to commodity prices and inflation, El Niño's effects ripple through the global economy, making it a climate event with worldwide consequences.