Why in News?
As many as 188 Indian scientists and ecologists have jointly appealed to researchers and field practitioners to prepare for the possible effects of an upcoming El Niño event. In August 2026, Pacific Ocean temperatures reportedly reached +2.6°C above the threshold, raising concerns about extreme heat and dry conditions and possible impacts on the Indian monsoon.
In the Pacific Ocean where El Niño originates, temperatures have steadily risen above the 0.5°C threshold, reaching +2.6°C in August 2026. Projections report possible anomalies of up to +4°C, which is higher than at any time in the past 1,000 years, based on reconstructions from coral cores. Any temperature rise above 0.5C is deemed an El Niño; above 2C is officially called a “very strong” El Niño – often referred to as a “super” El Niño.
About El Niño
El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a recurring climate pattern involving changes in sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation over the tropical Pacific Ocean. It generally occurs every two to seven years and typically lasts nine to 12 months, although some events can persist longer.
During El Niño, Pacific trade winds weaken, allowing warm surface water to move eastward towards the western coast of the Americas. This alters atmospheric circulation and can influence weather patterns across the world. In India, El Niño is generally associated with weaker monsoon conditions, higher temperatures and increased risk of heatwaves and drought-like conditions.
The term El Niño means “Little Boy” in Spanish. The opposite phase, La Niña (“Little Girl”), is characterised by stronger-than-normal trade winds, greater westward movement of warm water towards Asia and enhanced upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water along the western coast of the Americas.
El Niño and La Niña together form the ENSO cycle, which is one of the major drivers of year-to-year climate variability.
Sources: The Hindu & NOAA
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