Met Office: El Niño effects on Maldives to peak in November

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has urged the public to take precautionary measures as the effects of El Niño are forecast to peak in the Maldives this coming November.

Late last month, the Met Office reported that the El Niño phenomenon was strengthening and said the situation was being closely monitored.

El Niño is a global climate phenomenon associated with significant changes in weather patterns resulting from the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Although it does not occur at regular intervals, the phenomenon generally develops every two to seven years. Its effects typically last between nine and twelve months, although they can occasionally continue for several years.

In a subsequent interview with state media, the Met Office said the Maldives is expected to experience the most significant effects of El Niño in November.

According to PSM, citing the Met Office, the conditions are expected to continue until February next year, with the Maldives likely to experience reduced rainfall during this period.

The Met Office also warned that rising ocean surface temperatures could pose challenges to the fishing industry, while temperatures across the Maldives are expected to remain above average during the same period.

In response, authorities have urged sectors including tourism, agriculture and fisheries to adopt proactive safety and mitigation measures.