Surface temperature of the equatorial Pacific Ocean and the Indian rainfall

Abstract

The time variation of the monthly mean surface temperature of the equatorial Pacific Ocean during 1982-1987 has been studied in relation to summer monsoon rainfall over India The ENSO events of 1982 and 1987 were related to a significant reduction in the seasonal rainfall over India in both the years This effect seems to prevail during a part of the preceding/succeeding seasons A slow and systematic spread of the Pacific Ocean warm pool to the east during 1984 to 1986 was also related to below normal rainfall over India during these years