The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) is monitoring the development and impact of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean on Maldives’ climate.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon caused by abnormally warm sea surface temperatures, which affects global weather patterns. El Niño typically lasts 9–12 months, but can sometimes continue longer, and occurs irregularly every 2–7 years. It can significantly affect global climate, ecosystems, and economies.
A statement issued by the Met Office said an El Niño is currently forming, with surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific now above normal. In the Maldives, it may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, including both increased and decreased rainfall depending on timing and intensity.
The Met Office noted that El Niño is not the only factor affecting rainfall, with other systems like the Indian Ocean Dipole and Madden-Julian Oscillation also influencing weather conditions.