Impact of El Niño and La Niña on the Indian Monsoon

Indian Monsoon and Its Changing Pattern

The Indian monsoon is not only a weather phenomenon but also the heart of farming, the economy, and the livelihoods of millions of people in the country. The monsoon has, however, in recent years been highly unpredictable. At times, it rains less than usual, and other times we have heavy rains which are followed by floods. El Niño, La Niña, and Climate Change are the major causes of this changing trend. We should know the influence of these factors on the Indian monsoon.

The Effect of El Niño and La Niña on the Indian Monsoon

El Niño and La Niña are natural climatic effects associated with the change of temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. These processes have a direct effect on the intensity and actions of the Indian monsoon.

What is El Niño and its effects?

El Niño is a condition that is associated with an abnormal warming of the water in the Pacific Ocean over South America.

Major effects of El Niño:

• Weakens the monsoon winds
• Drowns out rainfall below normal in India.
• Retards the coming of the monsoon.
• Enhances the threat of drought.
• Harms agriculture and crop production.

El Niño years in India tend to be characterised by a lack of rainfall, and this might translate to a water crisis and losses in agriculture.

What is La Niña and its Impact?

El Niño es el reverso de La Niña. The water of the Pacific Ocean gets colder than usual in such a state.

Major effects of La Niña:

• Enhances the monsoon winds.
• Introduces normal or above-normal rainfall to India.
• Has positive effects on farmers and agriculture.
• Raises the potential threat of floods because of the abundance of rainfall.

The years that have La Nina often have good rainfall that leads to crop development, but ca,n on the other hand, cause flooding in certain areas.

Climate Change and the Indian Monsoon

The rising temperature of the Earth due to global warming is interfering with the usual monsoons of the Earth and causing rainfall to be more erratic.

Extremely heavy Rains within short intervals

The warm air has the ability to contain additional moisture. This leads to the clouds containing more water, which releases it abruptly.

Results:

• Very much precipitation in a short period of time.
• Flash urban and rural floods.
• Destruction of crops and infrastructure.

Longer Dry Spells

In the past, the rainfall was evenly distributed during the monsoon season. The gap intervals between rainfall are increasing nowadays.

Results:

• Water shortages
• Poor crop growth
• Increased stress on farmers

Rising Uncertainty in the Monsoon Timing

Monsoon coming and going is no longer as foreseeable as ever before.

Results:

• Farming cycle interruption.
• Problem with scheduling sowing and harvest.
• Declining agricultural efficiency.

This uncertainty is a serious issue for more than half of India's agriculture, which relies on this monsoon rainfall.

Quick Warmer Warmer of the Indian Ocean

To have a powerful monsoon, the warming of the land should be more rapid than the warming of the ocean. The Indian Ocean is, however, warming rapidly due to climate change.

Results:

• Less pressure gradient between the Earth and the ocean.
• Weakened monsoon winds
• Unpredictable rainfall pattern.

Conclusion

El Niño, La Nina and Climate Change are the primary causes of the growing uncertainty of the Indian monsoon. El Niño undermines the monsoon, whereas La Niña strengthens it. At the same time, the changes in climate are turning the rain patterns into extremes and uncertainties.

Such a shifting monsoon pattern has a significant effect on agriculture, farmers, and the economy in general. The knowledge of these climate factors is necessary in order to be able to plan and cope with future issues better.