Related Article
- Arvind Kejriwal Boycotts Court After Recusal Plea Rejected by Delhi HC Judge
- Did Assam Rifles Supply Gear to Kukis in Manipur? Govt Calls Claims Fake
- Mumbai nurse duped of Rs 1 lakh trying to buy Rs 299 dress online
- PM Modi Reacts to Washington Security Incident, Says Relieved Trump Safe
- Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Join BJP After Quitting AAP
Severe April Heatwave Sparks El Nino Concerns, Temperature Crosses 43°C in Bhopal, Indore
Severe heat has gripped large parts of India in April, with Madhya Pradesh among the worst affected. Temperatures have surged past 43–45°C in several cities, disrupting daily life and triggering widespread heatwave alerts. In the state capital Bhopal, the mercury touched 43°C on Sunday. Other cities also recorded extreme temperatures, including Indore at 43.2°C, Khajuraho at 45°C, Mandla at 44.9°C, Nowgong at 44.6°C, and Narmadapuram and Sagar at 44.4°C each. At least seven cities in the state have reported temperatures above 44°C.
The India Meteorological Department has issued heatwave alerts for 24 districts. Major cities including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur remain under continuous heatwave conditions. Authorities have warned that temperatures may rise further over the next two days.
The intense heat has severely affected daily life, with deserted roads during peak afternoon hours as people avoid stepping out unless necessary.
El Nino Threat Behind Rising Heat
A key factor behind the extreme temperatures is the potential onset of El Nino. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Nino conditions may develop between May and July, earlier than previous estimates that placed it in the later monsoon phase (August–September).
El Nino Threat Behind Rising Heat
A key factor behind the extreme temperatures is the potential onset of El Nino. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Nino conditions may develop between May and July, earlier than previous estimates that placed it in the later monsoon phase (August–September).
El Nno is a recurring climate pattern that occurs every 2 to 7 years and typically lasts 9 to 12 months. It is caused by warming sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which disrupts global weather patterns and often leads to higher global temperatures.
India is likely to feel its impact significantly. The IMD has already forecast below-normal rainfall this year, estimating the monsoon at around 92% of the long-term average. Since nearly 70% of India’s annual rainfall depends on the monsoon, any shortfall could have serious consequences.
Reduced rainfall may lead to lower crop production, increased water scarcity, and rising costs for essential goods. Agriculture and water resources are expected to be particularly vulnerable if the monsoon weakens.
According to the WMO, rising sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific indicate a growing likelihood of El Nino forming soon. During May–July, land temperatures are expected to remain above normal across many regions.
According to the WMO, rising sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific indicate a growing likelihood of El Nino forming soon. During May–July, land temperatures are expected to remain above normal across many regions.
Typically, El Nino conditions bring reduced rainfall or drought-like situations in parts of India, Australia, and Indonesia, while increasing rainfall in regions such as South America, southern parts of the United States, parts of Africa, and Central Asia.
