El Nino threat to Singapore corals in 2027
Meteorologists and marine biologists warn that a potential super El Nino event in 2027 could cause severe coral bleaching in Singapore's reefs. This follows a pattern where rising sea temperatures from El Nino cycles lead to mass coral mortality.
Why it matters
The potential loss of coral reefs threatens marine biodiversity and the natural coastal protection systems that Singapore relies on.
Corals at Pulau Hantu showing signs of stress during the 2024 mass bleaching event.
Listen SINGAPORE – If a super El Nino develops as predicted, it could turn Singapore’s reefs white again in 2027, just three years after the country’s coral reefs suffered widespread bleaching .
This is likely to take place between March and May 2027, during the expected tail end of the current El Nino event, as its impact on temperatures is highest when it weakens.
While this is not a certainty, El Nino conditions are already present and are likely to become strong during August and September, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore’s May 29 update.
The National Parks Board said that if El Nino proceeds as predicted, impacts on coral reefs may intensify in 2027, adding that it is monitoring the situation.
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