Anticipation builds in Bengaluru for rainfall amid climate analysis

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is on the edge of its seat, waiting for rain, while climate experts dissect the complexities of weather patterns and their potential influence on precipitation.

Recent findings hint at a link between the current drought and the 'Super El Nino' phase, but talks about the possible onset of a La Nina phase provide a glimmer of hope amidst the unpredictable weather.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that certain areas in North Interior Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka have received rainfall.

Private meteorologists point to the 'Super El Nino' phase, where the El Nino phenomenon exceeds a crucial temperature threshold in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Skymet's research highlights years characterised by Super El Nino events, including 1965-66, 1972-73, 1982-83, 1997-98, 2015-16, and most recently, 2023-24.

These periods saw El Nino conditions surpassing the 2°C threshold, resulting in significant climate changes.

Advisories for El Nino and La Nina are being closely monitored. Both advisories and watches are projected to persist for the next 4-6 weeks until the ENSO (El Nino-Southern Oscillation) system returns to a neutral state.

Despite the uncertainty, experts cautiously anticipate a promising monsoon season. A favourable combination of La Nina and positive IOD, akin to the conditions observed in 2007, hints at potentially good monsoon rainfall.

As these discussions unfold, Bengaluru residents are awaiting relief from the prolonged dry spell.