"Super El Nino" and Western Disturbance collide to cause heavy Delhi-NCR rain
GS1History · Society · Geography· Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)· Prelims·
Climate variability and atmospheric circulation: a GS1 Geography and disaster management case study.
Why in news
Professor Gufran Beig attributed heavy unseasonal rain in Delhi-NCR to the collision of a 'Super El Nino' and an active Western Disturbance with hot air.
Background
The Pacific Ocean warmed by 3.2 degrees Celsius, potentially reaching 3.5 degrees Celsius. The IMD reported 12–20 cm rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir and 7–11 cm in Haryana on 12 October.
Facts for Prelims
- FactPacific Ocean temperature increase: 3.2 degrees Celsius (potential 3.5 degrees Celsius).
- PlaceJammu and Kashmir rainfall: 12–20 cm reported by IMD.
- PlaceHaryana rainfall: 7–11 cm reported by IMD.
- S&TSuper El Nino: A supercharged event causing a monsoon rainfall deficit of around 13 per cent.
- S&TWestern Disturbance: Cold clouds colliding with hot, humid air over Delhi-NCR plains.
Prelims practice question
What is the estimated monsoon rainfall deficit caused by a Super El Nino event?
- (a)5 per cent
- (b)20 per cent
- (c)30 per cent
- (d)13 per cent
Show answer
Answer: (d) 13 per cent — A Super El Nino is a supercharged event causing a monsoon rainfall deficit of around 13 per cent.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how extreme climatic phenomena like 'Super El Nino' and Western Disturbances are altering traditional monsoon patterns and posing risks to agricultural stability in North India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Atmospheric dynamics: Interaction between Western Disturbances and hot, humid air masses causing unseasonal precipitation.
- Climate variability: Impact of Pacific Ocean warming on monsoon rainfall deficits and winter temperature fluctuations.
Keywords: Super El Nino · Western Disturbance · Climate Variability · Monsoon Withdrawal · Atmospheric Circulation
More Geography notes
- Unprecedented El Niño: Central Pacific sea-surface temperatures reach record highs exceeding 2015 levels · 13 October 2026
- India identifies 28 strategic places and geographical features on official Survey of India map · 2 October 2026
- 2026 marks lowest monsoon in a decade as El Nino causes drought threshold deficit · 2 October 2026
- Gandak River breaches and Shitalpur dam flood villages as water stays above HFL · 2 October 2026
- East and northeast regions record driest monsoon since 1901 at 1,017.1 mm · 30 September 2026
- The Bay of Bengal deep depression hit India's eastern coast on September 23 · 28 September 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.