World · Sri Lanka Bureau
UN warns of 'very strong' El Niño conditions through February
United Nations meteorological agencies have cautioned that El Niño weather patterns will intensify significantly and persist until at least February, with potential implications for weather systems across the Indian Ocean region and South Asia.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Global climate monitors have issued fresh warnings about the strength and duration of the current El Niño phenomenon, forecasting exceptionally powerful conditions that will extend through the Southern Hemisphere summer.
The UN's World Meteorological Organization has assessed that El Niño will reach very strong levels, maintaining its grip on global weather patterns for several more months. The extended forecast carries particular significance for countries across South and Southeast Asia, where altered precipitation patterns and temperature variations could affect agricultural output, water availability, and seasonal weather predictability.
El Niño, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, has widespread effects on monsoon systems and rainfall distribution across the Indian Ocean basin. The phenomenon typically influences weather patterns across Sri Lanka and neighboring regions, potentially affecting the northeast and southwest monsoons that are critical for the island's agriculture and water management.
The UN's assessment underscores the importance of preparedness measures for affected nations, as very strong El Niño episodes historically correlate with significant departures from normal weather conditions. Regional authorities and meteorological services are expected to monitor developments closely and issue updated seasonal forecasts as conditions evolve through the forecast period.