This week saw key developments in Indian politics, international relations, and domestic affairs. From Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on ‘cricket diplomacy’ with Jamaica to the looming threat of a harsh winter due to La Nina, India navigated a week filled with diverse events. Read on for a comprehensive overview of the top stories.
The National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing the longest continuous spell of rain in 13 years, with downpours lasting 14 days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more rain in the coming days, attributing the heavy rainfall to a combination of factors including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) returning to neutral and the La Niña phase expected to develop later this month. The IMD forecasts indicate that the monsoon will be above normal for the remaining months, with September likely to see more rainfall than August.
India is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in August and September, thanks to the developing La Niña conditions. This is good news for the country’s agriculture and overall economy, as the monsoon rains play a vital role in irrigating crops and replenishing water sources. While most regions will experience above-normal rainfall, certain areas, including Ladakh, parts of the northeastern states, and Saurashtra and Kutch, are likely to receive below-normal precipitation.
Tourists and locals alike are enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience as over a dozen blue whales have been spotted along the Southern California coast this week. The increase in sightings is attributed to cooler than average temperatures and an abundance of krill. Visitors to Newport Beach, Long Beach, and other coastal areas are advised to keep their eyes on the horizon for a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has predicted that the El Niño event, which has caused record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather globally, will transition to La Niña conditions later this year. This shift is expected to bring relief from the extreme heat experienced in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia.
El Niño, which has caused water scarcity in parts of Asia, is expected to transition to neutral next month and possibly to La Niña by mid-year. La Niña often brings above-normal rainfall, potentially leading to flooding during the June-September monsoon season in India. The India Meteorological Department anticipates above-average rainfall during the latter half of the monsoon season, and the World Meteorological Organization had earlier indicated that El Niño could cause drought conditions until May.
The South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) has issued a forecast predicting above-normal rainfall during the 2024 southwest monsoon season over most parts of South Asia. This prediction is based on favorable La Nina conditions, which are expected to set in by August-September. The monsoon season in India is also expected to receive above-normal rain due to these La Nina conditions. Above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures are also expected over most parts of the region, except for some areas where normal temperatures are most likely.
Meteorologists predict a sweltering summer for the United States, possibly ranking among the hottest on record. The transition from a weakening El Niño to a strong La Niña in the Pacific is believed to be the culprit behind the extreme heat. Temperatures are expected to soar as early as May, with the peak of the heatwave hitting in August. Regions such as Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Minnesota are expected to bear the brunt of the heat, while Southern California and Arizona will initially experience cooler temperatures.
