Winter may be less cold; rabi crops could be hit

Most parts of India are likely to experience a less cold winter this year as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures during the DecemberFebruary period due continuing impact of El Nino and other local factors.

- SANJEEB MUKHERJEE

El Nino, the natural climate phenomenon of warm temperature, is normally declared when sea surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific rise to at least 0.5 degree Celsius above the long-term average. El Nino events occur irregularly at two to seven-year intervals. Less severe winters could be helpful for some but the warmer-than-usual winter months can have an impact on the standing rabi crops, particularly wheat.