South Africans told: 'Brace for a scorching summer as powerful El Niño returns'
The World Meteorological Organization has confirmed a strong El Niño event is developing in the Pacific Ocean. This climate pattern is expected to cause extreme heat, drought, and potential food production challenges in South Africa through November.
Why it matters
El Niño significantly impacts regional food security and agricultural stability, requiring proactive disaster management and community preparation.
Ask AI 6 min A powerful El Niño climate pattern is rapidly developing in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to influence South Africa's weather over the coming months. The World Meteorological Organization says there is more than a 90% chance the event will persist until at least November, increasing the risk of extreme heat, drought and veld fires across the country's summer rainfall regions.
Before a single raindrop falls, the Pacific Ocean is already helping to shape South Africa's weather.
Thousands of kilometres away, a natural climate pattern known as El Nino can influence everything from soaring temperatures and shrinking dams to the risk of devastating veld fires. have said that it will be the strongest on record.
The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed the rapid onset of a strong El Nino event.
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