How to Prepare for and Stay Safe During El Niño: A Practical Guide for Families, Farmers and Communities
How to Prepare for and Stay Safe During El Niño: A Practical Guide for Families, Farmers and Communities
El Niño is one of the most important climate phenomena affecting weather patterns around the world. Although it begins with unusual warming of ocean waters in the tropical Pacific, its influence can extend far beyond the Pacific Ocean, changing rainfall patterns, temperatures and the likelihood of extreme weather in different parts of the world. For communities, El Niño should not simply be viewed as a weather event. Depending on the region, it can bring heavy rainfall and flooding, drought, unusually high temperatures, water shortages, crop losses, disease outbreaks and disruptions to transport and essential services. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported on 3 September 2026 that El Niño is firmly established and is expected to strengthen into a very strong event, with an exceptionally high likelihood of continuing through February 2027. The organization also warned of increased risks associated with floods, drought and extreme heat. The good news is that people do not ha…