The ongoing buzz about La Niña started even before the Southwest Monsoon but has yet to materialize. El Niño and La Niña are Pacific Ocean phenomena where warming leads to El Niño and cooling leads to La Niña. Our expert meteorologists AVM GP Sharma and Mahesh Palawat discuss how La Niña and El Niño affect winter rainfall and temperature. Despite forecast agencies, including NOAA, predicting La Niña’s arrival by May 2024, ENSO-neutral conditions have persisted, suggesting any upcoming La Niña will likely be short and weak. La Niña usually emerges in April, peaks by November and fades by March, but this year’s delay until December (if it occurs) is unprecedented. Past data shows, that La Niña doesn’t necessarily correlate with harsher winters, though it can enhance winter rainfall. There are no major Western Disturbances to be seen at present which has kept temperatures high, with Delhi experiencing record warmth through October and mid-November. A weak Western Disturbance, which is arriving today, may bring rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir (as witnessed previously at the higher reaches) but won't dramatically lower temperatures. November is expected to bring gradual cooling, with no sharp plunge forecasted for the next 10 days.

Winters arrive with huge health risks and challenges for the citizens caused by hazardously severe air pollution in Delhi NCR. As the temperature drops, the air becomes cold and settles close to the surface of the earth. When the wind is weak and there is little movement, dust and pollutants mix with fog, which worsens air pollution. This hazardous situation persists until winter rains wash away the pollution, offering temporary relief. In the coming days, Delhi’s pollution levels will remain dangerously high, but a breeze could bring some much-needed respite. We urge our audience to stay indoors and take necessary precautions during this challenging time. Follow us for more such insights and timely updates on Youtube, X, Facebook and Instagram and you can also tune in to our podcasts on audio platforms such as Spotify, Apple podcast, Audible, JioSaavn, Amazon Music etc.

As Cyclone DANA is moving closer to the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, thick clouds have turned the skies overcast and winds are getting gustier. With wind speed of over 100 km/h and gusting of up to 125 km/h, the Cyclone is expected to make landfall between Paradip and Balasore during the early morning hours of October 25.

Over 200 trains have been cancelled in advance and air operations at Kolkata and Bhubaneswar will be interrupted from 5 p.m. today until 9 a.m. tomorrow. As per reports, whilst many offices, colleges and organizations will be closed, essential services will keep operating. In the districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur and Puri, where residents are especially at risk, about 400,000 people have been evacuated. West Bengal's coastline, extending from Digha to Diamond Harbour is still highly vulnerable.

Weather conditions have begun to be impacted by the storm's outer bands and are expected to worsen throughout the course of the night. Significant flooding and a storm surge in the oceans with wave heights of 15-20 feet can occur during the 3–4 hour landfall phases. There is considerable danger from the combination of severe winds and plenty of rain, and possible communication problems are expected to last till tomorrow. It is anticipated that restoration work will start later tomorrow or the next day. For their protection, residents in impacted areas must continue to remain alert and follow local Government advice.