Source: The post La Niña delays impact India’s weather patterns has been created, based on the article “How does La Niña affect India’s climate?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment
Context: The article discusses La Niña, a climate phenomenon that affects global weather. It explains its delayed emergence in 2024, its effects on rainfall, temperature, and air quality, and how it impacts India’s monsoon and winter seasons. Climate change may increase its frequency. La Niña delays impact India weather patterns
What is La Niña and El Niño?
La Niña is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It occurs when the Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and South America becomes cooler than normal. Its counterpart, El Niño, causes warming of the same region.
For details information on El Nino: Concept and impacts read this article here
How is La Niña affecting winter in India?
- This winter, southern cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are colder than usual. Northern India has a delayed winter with above-normal temperatures.
- Current ONI values show that La Niña has not formed yet.
- If La Niña had formed, north India would have experienced colder winters.
- 35-Year Analysis:
- La Niña winters have colder nights but higher daytime temperatures.
- Wind Speed: Winds are stronger during La Niña, reducing air pollution.
- Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH): PBLH is slightly lower, which can trap pollutants near the ground.
How is La Niña affecting India?
- Delayed Onset: La Niña was expected to emerge by July 2024 but has not yet formed. There is now only a 57% chance it will develop this year.
- Air Quality Effects: Higher wind speeds during expected La Niña conditions could help disperse air pollutants, potentially improving air quality. However, cooler temperatures might increase biomass burning, worsening pollution due to more pollutants being trapped near the ground.
- Monsoon Impact: La Niña years typically see normal or above-normal rainfall in India, benefiting the monsoon season. In contrast, El Niño years often bring less rainfall and hotter summers, like the severe heatwaves India faced in April of this year.
- Future Outlook: If La Niña persists into 2025, it may bring relief from heat waves and strengthen the monsoon.
For details information on Negative impact of delayed La Niña read this article here
Conclusion
La Niña’s delayed emergence is affecting weather patterns. Its formation could benefit India by reducing heat and strengthening the monsoon. However, it may also impact winter air quality and temperature patterns in the coming months.
Question for practice:
Examine how the delayed emergence of La Niña in 2024 is impacting India’s winter, air quality, and monsoon patterns.
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