Chennai: Meteorologists have warned that the early phase of a ‘Super El Niño’ has begun, urging Tamil Nadu to prepare for potential climate-related disruptions. Volunteer weather analyst Hemachandar has appealed to the state government to set up a dedicated drought and disaster management special team.
El Niño refers to sea-surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific rising about 1.5°C above normal, while La Niña is classified when temperatures fall about 1.5°C below normal. ‘Super El Niño’ is described as a stronger event in which ocean temperatures can rise up to 3°C above normal.
Global weather agencies have cautioned that a Super El Niño can trigger extremes such as heavy rainfall and drought in different parts of the world. Hemachandar said the “Super El Niño 2026” phenomenon is emerging as a major climate threat and that its initial impacts are already being felt, with temperatures rising in several regions.
He said India may see a weaker-than-normal southwest monsoon, while Tamil Nadu could receive above-normal northeast monsoon rainfall. He also warned that severe heatwaves could occur from March to June 2027, particularly affecting Tamil Nadu.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the state could face drought, heatwaves, shifts in monsoon patterns, heavy rain, flooding, agricultural losses and other disaster-like conditions, he said. He urged the government to immediately form a special team to coordinate water management, farm protection, drinking water contingency measures, and preparedness for heavy rain, floods and other disasters.
