With reference to the impact of Super El Nino on air quality, consider the following statements: 1. The Super El Nino phenomenon is expected to increase wind speeds in Mumbai during winter. 2. Mumbai's AQI reached 322 on October 24. 3. The Pacific Ocean is currently warming by more than 3.2 degrees Celsius. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Dr. Gufran Beig, founder-project director SAFAR and chair professor at NIAS, IISc

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims· 26 October 2026

Climate-pollution nexus: a GS3 case study on how atmospheric phenomena impact urban air quality.

Why in news

Dr. Gufran Beig of NIAS, IISc, warned that a 'super El Nino' will worsen Mumbai's air quality in winter 2026 by slowing wind speeds and trapping pollutants.

Background

On October 24, Mumbai's AQI reached 322 (Very Poor category) while Delhi recorded 176. The current super El Nino involves the Pacific Ocean warming by more than 3.2 degrees Celsius.

Facts for Prelims

FactMumbai's AQI reached 322 on October 24, 2026.
FactThe Pacific Ocean is currently warm by more than 3.2 degrees Celsius due to super El Nino.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the impact of Super El Nino on air quality, consider the following statements:

The Super El Nino phenomenon is expected to increase wind speeds in Mumbai during winter.
Mumbai's AQI reached 322 on October 24.
The Pacific Ocean is currently warming by more than 3.2 degrees Celsius.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: It will worsen air quality by slowing wind speeds and trapping pollutants.

For Mains

Q. Analyze how climatic phenomena like El Nino influence urban air quality in coastal cities and discuss measures to mitigate pollution in such scenarios.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Climatic interaction: Slower wind speeds under El Nino reducing the natural dispersion of pollutants in coastal zones.
Anthropogenic pressure: Compounding effects of construction boom and industrial activity on air quality during stagnant weather.
Meteorological variables: Role of humidity and sea-salt particles in increasing visible haze in coastal urban centers.

Keywords: El Nino · Air Quality Index · Atmospheric Circulation · Pollutant Dispersion · Urban Smog

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: NDTV ↗Also: GS1 · Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)Also: GS3 · Nuclear & new energy technology

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