Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 3, 2026

Why El Niño can mean less rain but heavier downpours for India

Meteorologists predict that the current El Niño, which is developing over the Pacific, could be one of the strongest in living memory. India is likely to be heavily affected, particularly later in the monsoon, when El Niño's influence tends to strengthen.

Why El Niño can mean less rain but heavier downpours for India

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Meteorologists predict that the current El Niño, which is developing over the Pacific, could be one of the strongest in living memory.

India is likely to be heavily affected, particularly later in the monsoon, when El Niño's influence tends to strengthen.

El Niño is associated with weaker monsoons in India – but research suggests it can also bring more extreme rainfall The world is bracing for a "super" El Niño, and its effects are already being felt in...

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Meteorologists predict that the current El Niño, which is developing over the Pacific, could be one of the strongest in living memory. India is likely to be heavily affected, particularly later in the monsoon, when El Niño's influence tends to strengthen. El Niño is associated with weaker monsoons in India – but research suggests it can also bring more extreme rainfall The world is bracing for a "super" El Niño, and its effects are already being felt in India, where the monsoon has brought less rain than average but more intense downpours.

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  • El Niño is associated with weaker monsoons in India – but research suggests it can also bring more extreme rainfall The world is bracing for a "super" El Niño, and its effects are already being felt in...

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