Strongest El Niño in decades to last until February, Asia braces for chaos

📡 Nikkei Asia · 1 min read ·
Strongest El Niño in decades to last until February, Asia braces for chaos
A powerful El Niño event is now underway and is expected to intensify through February, bringing severe weather disruptions across Asia. The phenomenon, which warms ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, is already altering rainfall patterns and is projected to peak during the winter months. Meteorologists warn that the coming weeks will see a sharp increase in extreme conditions, including heavy flooding in some regions and drought in others. The impact is building now, with governments and relief agencies urged to prepare for crop failures, infrastructure damage, and potential displacement of communities. While the exact strength of this event is still being measured, early data confirms it will be one of the most significant in recent history.