A study published in IMD's Mausam journal has revealed major changes in India's climate between 1951 and 2020. Northwestern India's hot semi-arid zone expanded from around 25% to 33%, while peninsular India's dry zone shrank from approximately 30% to 16%. Researchers have warned that the changing climate patterns could affect agricultural planning, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
El Niño is associated with unusual weather patterns worldwide, as Tokyo reportedly recorded 35 consecutive days of rainfall while Chile’s Atacama Desert witnessed a rare wildflower bloom following heavy showers. The extreme conditions have raised concerns about changing rainfall patterns and global temperatures.
A strong El Niño is rapidly intensifying across the tropical Pacific and could become one of the most powerful events on record by late 2026. WMO and NOAA forecasts point to a major peak around the end of the year, with possible consequences for rainfall, heat, drought and extreme weather across several regions, including India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings across several parts of Maharashtra as a depression over the Bay of Bengal strengthens the monsoon system. Pune has been placed under an Orange Alert, while multiple districts are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days.
IMD’s updated 2026 monsoon forecast signals below-normal rainfall across most of Maharashtra in June–September, with warmer-than-normal June temperatures and El Niño risk.
Pune sees fewer butterfly sightings this summer as heatwave dries host plants and nectar flowers, reducing movement and breeding; some dry-habitat species persist.
Commuters waiting for relief from Pune’s daily traffic congestion face yet another setback as the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro misses its sixth deadline. The Maan–Balewadi stretch, earlier slated to open by June-end, is
Positive Indian Ocean Dipole may develop later in 2026 monsoon, partly offsetting strong El Niño impact; IMD and experts urge caution due to uncertainty.
Nilambari Salunke
