Why El Niño can mean less rain but heavier downpours for India
Research indicates that the current 'super' El Niño event is causing less overall rainfall in India while simultaneously increasing the frequency of extreme, intense downpours. This shift in weather patterns is already impacting regions like Kerala with flash flooding.
Why it matters
Understanding these climate patterns is critical for disaster preparedness and agricultural planning in vulnerable regions.
A girl runs for cover as monsoon storm clouds loom over Guna district in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. A girl runs for cover as monsoon storm clouds loom over Guna district in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Weatherwatch El Niño southern oscillation Why El Niño can mean less rain but heavier downpours for India El Niño is associated with weaker monsoons in India – but research suggests it can also bring more extreme rainfall
Prefer the Guardian on Google The world is bracing for a “super” El Niño, and its effects are already being felt in India , where the monsoon has brought less rain than average but more intense downpours.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in