A ‘Godzilla El Niño’ or ‘Super El Niño’ is an informal nickname given to a very powerful El Niño event. It happens when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become much warmer than normal. Such events are usually linked to weaker monsoon rainfall in India. But if that’s the case, why is most of the country still covered in clouds this season? Here’s what experts say.
What Is Godzilla El Niño?
Many parts of India are currently witnessing widespread cloud cover and rainfall, even during the ongoing Godzilla El Niño. This term was first used for the powerful 1997-98 El Niño and was later used again for the 2015-16 event. Regular El Niño happens when the water in the Pacific Ocean becomes warm, while Godzilla El Niño happens when the ocean warming is drastically higher than average.
Normally, this climate pattern is associated with below-normal monsoon rainfall in India. However, according to Moneycontrol, several regional weather systems are currently offsetting its drying effect. An active monsoon trough, repeated low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and abundant moisture from the Arabian Sea are all helping fuel cloud formation across the country.
Moreover, a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is also supporting wetter conditions in several regions. So yes, El Niño generally means less rainfall, but these regional weather systems are temporarily offsetting its effects.
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Does More Cloud Cover Always Mean More Rain?
According to Moneycontrol and ISRO, nearly 95% of India is currently under cloud cover. However, more clouds do not always mean more rainfall. Cloud cover and rainfall are two different things. Large areas may remain covered with thick clouds, but that does not necessarily mean every region will receive rain.
Scientists are continuing to monitor the changing weather pattern. They are now watching whether El Niño will have a stronger impact during the later part of the monsoon season or whether regional weather systems will continue to dominate.
Also Read: Monsoon Travel: 5 Road Trips Within 327 Km From Ahmedabad For A Weekend Getaway
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FAQs
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a climate pattern in which sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual.
Does more cloud cover mean more rain?
No. More cloud cover does not mean more rain, as many clouds may not produce rain.
Where is the Bay of Bengal?
The Bay of Bengal is located in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean.
