IMD Forecasts Early Monsoon Onset Over Kerala on May 26, Projects Below-Normal Rainfall (80 cm) Due to El Niño

NOAA Projects 69% Chance of Historic El Niño Since 1950; IMD Reports Below-Normal Monsoon

A potentially historic El Niño is developing in the Pacific, with NOAA projecting a 69% chance it will exceed the strongest events since 1950. For India, the impact may lag by 40-45 days, likely after the southwest monsoon's official withdrawal, though the current monsoon is already 12% below normal.

Monsoon Revival: Rainfall Deficiency Drops to 11.5%, Kharif Sowing Gap Narrows to 2.9%

The monsoon has revived significantly, reducing cumulative rainfall deficiency from 22.8% to 11.5% and narrowing the kharif sowing gap from 20.8% to 2.9%. However, El Niño is strengthening into a 'very strong' event, posing a serious threat to the upcoming rabi season. Proactive supply-side management will be crucial for food security.

Hurricane Polo Turns Category 5; Strong El Niño May Cause 451,000 Additional Global Heat Deaths

Hurricane Polo has intensified into a Category 5 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast, with maximum sustained winds of 270 kmph. This is unfolding against an unusually strong El Niño that the WMO expects to persist through February 2027. El Niño is being watched closely because it can disrupt rainfall worldwide—the Climate Impact Lab projects 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally, including about 15,800 in India.

WMO Warns 'Very Strong' El Nino Till Feb 2027; Threat to Monsoon & Winters

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns of a 'very strong' El Nino that will persist until February 2027, with potential to disrupt global weather patterns, including India's monsoon and winter. This is a critical update for exam aspirants as it links to geography, climate, and agriculture.

Climate Impact Lab Report Projects 15,800 Additional Heat Deaths in India Due to Super El Nino

The Climate Impact Lab projects 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India between Sept 2026 and Feb 2027 due to the ongoing 'Super El Niño'. Globally, 451,000 excess deaths are expected in the first six months. The report warns that this El Niño is a 'postcard from the future', bringing temperatures typical of 20 years from now without adaptation.

Maharashtra Drought Declared in 75% Tehsils, Monsoon Deficit 11.9% Raises Rabi Crop Concerns

Maharashtra has declared drought in nearly three-fourths of its tehsils, with the southwest monsoon ending 11.9% below average. The article warns of a poor rabi harvest due to depleted water reserves and a strong El Niño, urging duty-free imports of all pulses to manage food supply.

Centre Issues 7th Draft ESA Notification: 56,825.7 sq km in Western Ghats, 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala

The Centre's seventh draft notification proposes to designate 56,825.7 sq km in Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) under Kasturirangan Committee recommendations. Farmers in Kerala, particularly in Kozhikode, fear restrictions on land use affecting livelihoods, and question omission of certain recommendations. This is critical for environment vs development debate in exam context.

UK Met Office Forecasts Record El Nino >3°C; 2027 Likely Hottest Year on Record

The UK Met Office has forecast the strongest El Nino in over a century, with Pacific sea surface temperatures rising over 3°C above normal. This unprecedented event could make 2027 the hottest year globally, impacting global weather patterns including drier conditions in India and severe droughts in South America and the West Pacific.