Super El Niño and Its Impact on India

Super El Niño and Its Impact on India (Detailed

Key Developments & Background

UPSC Notes)

Introduction

El Niño is a climatic phenomenon involving abnormal warming of the central and eastern Pacific

Ocean. A Super El Niño refers to an exceptionally strong El Niño event with widespread global

impacts.

Mechanism of El Niño

Normally, trade winds push warm water towards the western Pacific. During El Niño, these winds

weaken, causing warm water to shift eastward. This disrupts atmospheric circulation known as

Walker Circulation.

What makes it 'Super' El Niño?

When sea surface temperature anomalies exceed ~2°C above normal, the event is categorized as

a Super El Niño, leading to severe climatic disturbances worldwide.

Impact on Indian Monsoon

India’s monsoon depends on land-sea temperature contrast. El Niño reduces this contrast,

weakening monsoon winds and leading to below-normal rainfall or drought.

Heat Waves

Detailed Insights & Implications

Reduced rainfall leads to higher land temperatures, causing intense and prolonged heat waves,

especially in northern and central India.

Agricultural Impact

Monsoon failure affects crops like rice, pulses, and sugarcane, leading to reduced yields, farmer

distress, and food inflation.

Water Resources

Lower rainfall leads to declining groundwater levels, drying rivers, and stress on reservoirs.

Extreme Weather

While overall rainfall decreases, some regions may face intense short-duration rainfall events,

causing floods.

Link with Climate Change

Global warming may increase the frequency and intensity of El Niño events, making weather

patterns more unpredictable.

Mitigation Strategies

India can adopt better forecasting, crop diversification, irrigation systems, and renewable energy

expansion.

Conclusion

Future Outlook & Path Forward

Super El Niño significantly impacts India’s economy, agriculture, and environment, making