Looming danger |
EL NIÑO is set to grip South Asia this year. This weather phenomenon is characterised by warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. The ocean’s temperature influences South Asia’s climate, particularly the intensity of the summer monsoon. As the Pacific’s water gets warmer, atmospheric convection moves eastward, drifting away from the Indian Ocean. Hence, the region experiences a weak monsoon due to suppressed rainfall and reduced movement of moisture. El Niño often leads to higher temperatures and prolonged heatwaves across the region.
The South Asian Climate Outlook Forum and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have warned of a hot and dry monsoon this year. Sascof finalised the climate outlook for the 2026 southwest monsoon season — from June to September — during its 34th session held on April 28 this year in the Maldivian capital, Malé. The outlook projects below-normal rainfall and higher-than-usual maximum and minimum temperatures over most parts of the South Asian region.
The WMO has cautioned that El Niño conditions are likely to be experienced as early as the May to July period. This climate event is hardly........