El Nino phenomenon hits Hyderabad; mercury soars up to 39.4 degrees celsius

Hyderabad is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures for this time of year, with the mercury soaring to 39.4 degrees Celsius. This surge in temperature has been attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, according to forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD had predicted that El Nino conditions would lead to above-normal temperatures during March, April, and May in Hyderabad and other parts of India.

Recent data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS) confirms that temperatures in Hyderabad have indeed risen significantly over the past few days. On March 6, temperatures soared to 39.4 degrees Celsius in Shaikpet, and it is anticipated that the city may soon experience temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius due to the impact of El Nino.

Several areas in Hyderabad have already recorded temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, including Maredpally, Mondamarket, Bandlaguda, Musheerabad, Bahadurpura, Asifnagar, Bansilalpet, Nampally, Shaikpet, Golconda, and Khairatabad.

El Nino is a climatic pattern characterized by abnormal warming of surface water in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, resulting in a rise in sea surface temperatures by as much as 4 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. This phenomenon significantly influences weather patterns, including the intensity of the summer season in Hyderabad and other regions globally.

Historical data indicates that India has experienced 18 droughts in the past century, with 13 of them associated with El Nino. The frequency of El Nino years has also increased over time, from seven between 1900 and 1950 to 15 between 1951 and 2021. This highlights the significant impact of El Nino on weather patterns and underscores the need for preparedness to mitigate its effects.