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- By Vaidika Thapa
- Tue, 21 Jul 2026 01:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
El Nino, a major climate phenomenon which began in June, has been developing at a rapid pace. It has already influenced weather patterns across the world and is expected to bring more changes. However, the world is also bracing for additional changes as a distinct Atlantic Nina, a phenomenon marked by unusual cooling in the tropical Atlantic, is also developing simultaneously.
El Nino And Atlantic Nina Clash
This co-occurrence introduces conflicting variables that can alter regional wind patterns, shift rainfall, and impact hurricane activity differently than a typical El Nino alone. Normally, El Nino stops big storms in the Atlantic, but the cold Atlantic Nina changes how winds and rain move. As these two ocean events are fighting each other, weather models cannot easily predict what will happen next. Therefore, this clash can cause unexpected droughts, heavy rains, and strange storm patterns around the world.
ALSO READ: Double Whammy For India? UN Warns Of Extreme Weather Due To El Nino Amid Reduced Monsoon Rainfall
What Is Happening?
While it is said to be developing, scientists have not yet declared it official. The Hill quoted an assistant professor at the University of Miami’s Department of Ocean Sciences, Franz Philip Tuchen, who explained that it is still too soon to call it official. However, he highlighted that some parts of the Atlantic are starting to read colder-than-normal. Tuchen noted, “If this event persists, there is a high chance of an Atlantic Nina forming.”
Moreover, a map released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), showing sea surface temperature also indicates the difference between what is happening in the Atlantic and the Pacific. According to Severe Weather Europe, temperatures must remain at least 0.5 degrees Celsius below average for two overlapping seasons, to qualify as an Atlantic Nina. And if this happens, it will become the sixth Atlantic Nina in the last four decades.
The combination of a powerful Pacific El Nino and a cold Atlantic Nina will change weather patterns by shifting rainfall, blocking hurricanes, and intensifying regional monsoons. Even though these two ocean events are on opposite sides of the world, they work together in some areas and clash in others. El Nino usually makes it hard for hurricanes to form in the Atlantic Ocean by creating harsh, disruptive winds. And this year, there are chances that Atlantic Nina might act like an extra shield.
How Will It Affect Weather Worldwide And Indian Monsoon?
As the Atlantic water is much colder than normal, it cuts off the heat and moisture that storms need to grow. Together, they are expected to significantly reduce the number and strength of hurricanes heading toward the Caribbean and the US. For the Indian monsoon, this unique ocean clash means the cold Atlantic Nina will likely save India from drier conditions caused by the powerful Pacific El Nino. Usually, a strong El Nino is bad news for India because it weakens the monsoon winds and causes massive rain deficits. However, the rare Atlantic Nina has an inverse relationship with Indian weather, helping it to recover.