The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has gained attention after scientists linked it to conditions that may have influenced Gujarat’s recent heavy rainfall. This explainer outlines what the long-term Pacific climate pattern is, how it differs from El Niño, its phases, and why understanding the PDO is important for interpreting monsoon behaviour and extreme weather events. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has gained attention after scientists linked it to conditions that may have influenced Gujarat’s recent heavy rainfall. This explainer outlines what the long-term Pacific climate pattern is, how it differs from El Niño, its phases, and why understanding the PDO is important for interpreting monsoon behaviour and extreme weather events.
