El Nino is a climate pattern that warms the Pacific Ocean and often weakens the Indian monsoon. It is a major reason Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas.

Normally, trade winds push warm water toward Asia. During El Nino, these winds weaken and warm water spreads east. This shifts rain patterns worldwide. India typically gets less monsoon rain in El Nino years.

Past El Ninos hurt Indian farming. The 2015-16 El Nino brought back-to-back droughts. A strong El Nino in 2023 also cut rainfall and raised food prices. Scientists now say the current El Nino may peak in February.

For Maharashtra, a weak monsoon means dry reservoirs and failed crops. The state has announced crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions and power bill relief. Meteorologists will track the Pacific through winter to see how long the pattern lasts. Meteorologists expect the current event to peak around February.