September Was Exceptionally Hot Due to a Strong El Niño

New Delhi. El Niño intensified significantly in September due to a sharp rise in sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Consequently, the global average temperature climbed to the second-highest level on record. Meteorologists note that while the threat of global warming persists, El Niño is further driving up global temperatures. This raises concerns about the impact on agricultural production across various nations, including India.

The threat posed by El Niño is expected to persist for the coming months, potentially having a severe impact on countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. While it is likely to lead to reduced rainfall and rising temperatures, weather patterns in the United States—and particularly in Brazil—may remain unpredictable and erratic.

A positive Indian Ocean Dipole could have significantly mitigated the effects of the Pacific-born El Niño; however, it has not yet reached a mature stage.