Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:35am on 14 Jun 2026,Sunday Weather & Environment
The arrival of El Nino has raised concerns over India's monsoon, as the weather phenomenon is often linked to lower rainfall, hotter temperatures and a higher risk of drought. However, scientists say another climate pattern, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), could reduce its impact. A positive IOD develops when the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer than the eastern part, helping push more moisture towards the Indian subcontinent and increasing the chances of rainfall. In the past, including during the strong 1997 El Nino, a positive IOD helped support the monsoon. Experts, however, say it is still too early to know whether a positive IOD will develop this year. The final outcome of the monsoon will depend on the balance between the strengthening El Nino and conditions in the Indian Ocean. (PC: India Today)
