India Experiences Record Monsoon Weakening Due to Canadian Wildfire Emissions
• India experienced its driest August since 1901, with a 36% rainfall deficit attributed to Canadian wildfire emissions.
• Wildfire emissions altered atmospheric conditions, affecting the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and exacerbating the impact of El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
• The weakened monsoon has significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and economic stability in India, highlighting the interconnectedness of global climate systems.
India's driest August since 1901 linked to wildfires
In August 2023, India faced an unprecedented monsoon weakening, recording its driest August since 1901 with a 36% deficit in national rainfall. A study in Nature links this to emissions from the Canadian wildfires of 2023. The Indian Meteorological Department noted record high average maximum surface temperatures of 32.19°C (89.94°F) and mean surface temperatures of 28.45°C (83.21°F).
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