A powerful El Niño developing in the Pacific could bring warmer and more erratic winter conditions to India through early 2027. The phenomenon may affect rainfall, water availability, wheat production and air quality, while the World Meteorological Organisation warns of increased risks of extreme heat, drought and floods.
India is already facing below-normal rainfall and declining reservoir levels. A warmer winter could disrupt wheat during its crucial grain-filling stage, while drier conditions after the monsoon could worsen winter air pollution, particularly across northern India.
The strengthening El Niño comes amid record global temperatures with August 2026 reportedly tying July 2023 as the hottest month on record. The developing climate pattern could therefore have wider consequences for India’s agriculture, water resources and public health, as well as contributing to extreme weather globally.
