WMO Warns: El Niño Threatens India's Monsoon, Severe Heatwaves Expected

• WMO forecasts a potential El Niño in the latter half of 2024, risking severe heatwaves and negative impact on India's monsoon.
• IMD predicts significant temperature rises in North India; Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh 5-7°C above normal, Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh 4-6°C above normal.
• El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, altering weather patterns.
• The 2023-24 El Niño was one of the five most powerful events on record, significantly contributing to the 2024 global temperature rise.
• Seasonal forecasts like El Niño are crucial for planning in climate-dependent sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and water management.