Colombia Faces Most Intense El Niño Since 1950

Colombia’s Environment Ministry confirmed Thursday that the El Niño weather pattern has arrived about three months earlier than expected. If current projections hold, it will be one of the "most intense recorded since 1950," according to data from the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam). The phenomenon, which warms ocean waters above normal in the equatorial Pacific, is already affecting the region. In Colombia, El Niño typically reduces rainfall, raising the risk of drought. The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power, so the dry conditions could lead to energy rationing.