IOD Turns Positive

IOD Turns Positive

News: A report by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said that the IOD index has risen beyond the positive threshold.

What is IOD?
• The IOD refers to temperature shifts in the Indian Ocean basin, impacting monsoons in India. A positive IOD event, characterized by warmer temperatures in the western basin, can enhance India’s South-West monsoon. However, the IOD index must remain above the threshold for a sustained period to officially declare a positive event.
• For Australia, a positive IOD event often leads to low rainfall between October and December, delayed monsoon onset, and reduced tropical cyclone activity.

What are the 2 phases on IOD and what is their impact?
• Positive IOD - In this phase, the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer than the eastern part. This leads to increased convection and rainfall in the western Indian Ocean region, including parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, while causing drier conditions in the eastern Indian Ocean, including Australia and Indonesia.
• Negative IOD - In this phase, the eastern Indian Ocean becomes warmer than the western part. This leads to higher rainfall and cooler conditions in the eastern Indian Ocean region, including Australia and Indonesia, while causing drier conditions in the western Indian Ocean region.