El Niño Nears Peak Intensity

Sydney. The El Niño weather cycle has intensified significantly due to a rapid rise in sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with its impact now approaching peak levels.

The Niño 3.4 index surged to 2.7 degrees Celsius on September 27—the second-highest level on record. Various weather models indicate that temperatures could rise further in the coming period, significantly boosting El Niño's strength; the index could reach or exceed 3 degrees Celsius during October and November.

The threat posed by El Niño to India persists. Rainfall during the southwest monsoon season was deficient and erratic, even before El Niño had fully intensified. With the Rabi season now set to begin, a strong El Niño impact could severely adversely affect crop sowing and development.