Authors: Associate Professor Dr. Ch. Munendar Reddy
Abstract: El Niño is a buzzword in year 2026 which is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to substantial global changes observed in weather patterns. The effects of El Niño in India are profound, influencing various aspects of the country’s climate, agriculture, and economy. The Telangana government has declared 365 mandals across 31 districts drought-affected for the 2026 kharif season, as the state recorded a 17% rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon amid the impact of El Niño. The government order classifies 111 mandals as “severely” drought-affected and 254 as “moderately” affected. The notification will remain in force for six months unless withdrawn earlier. Nalgonda and Sangareddy are among the worst-affected districts, with 28 drought-hit mandals each, followed by Suryapet with 23, and Adilabad and Vikarabad with 20 each. Rangareddy and Nizamabad have 18 each, while Yadadri and Khammam have 17 each. El Niño is often associated with higher-than-average temperatures, leading to severe heat waves across India. These heat waves can have serious health impacts, causing heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The overall increase in temperature variability can affect both human health and the environment. In this summer of 2026, we are observing highest temperature ever recorded in the history of human being in various part of the country. However, the year 2026 is not the first El Niño year for India rather it’s a regular climatic phenomenon but its severity is an alarming condition.
