India Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal September rainfall at 91% LPA due to El Niño

Why in news

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a forecast of below-normal September rainfall due to intensifying El Niño conditions.

Background

The IMD projected September rainfall at 91% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 167.9 mm. August 2024 was recorded as India's hottest month since 1901, with a mean temperature of 28.01°C.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyIMD: India's primary agency for monitoring and forecasting weather and climate.
• S&TEl Niño: A climate pattern involving the warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• FactAugust 2024 mean temperature: 28.01°C (Normal: 27.34°C).
• S&TLPA (Long Period Average): A statistical average of rainfall/temperature over a long period, typically 30 years.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the impact of El Niño and La Niña phenomena on India's monsoon patterns and suggest measures to mitigate climate-induced agricultural risks.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• impact on monsoon variability
• agricultural yield and food security
• climate adaptation strategies

Keywords: El Niño · monsoon variability · climate resilience · meteorological forecasting

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