What is La Niña?
La Niña is a climate pattern that describes the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It is the opposite phase of El Niño, which is characterized by warmer sea temperatures. La Niña events typically occur every two to seven years and can last from several months to two years.
Impact on India
Monsoon Patterns
- Enhanced Monsoon: La Niña generally strengthens the Indian monsoon, leading to heavier and more prolonged rainfall.
- Agricultural Productivity: Increased rainfall can boost agricultural output, particularly in rain-fed regions, benefiting crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
Temperature Variations
- Cooler Temperatures: La Niña can cause cooler than average temperatures in northern India, particularly during the winter months.
- Heatwaves: Southern India might experience fewer heatwaves compared to El Niño years.
Flooding and Drought
- Increased Flooding: Excessive rainfall can lead to flooding in various parts of India, affecting infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands.
- Localized Droughts: While overall rainfall increases, some regions may experience irregular rainfall patterns, potentially leading to localized droughts.
Cyclone Activity
- Higher Cyclone Frequency: The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea may see an increase in cyclonic activity during La Niña periods, leading to more frequent and intense cyclones.
Water Resources
- Reservoir Levels: Enhanced monsoon rains can fill reservoirs and improve water availability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.
- Groundwater Recharge: Increased rainfall can lead to better groundwater recharge, mitigating water scarcity in some areas.
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