health
'Unpredictable and extreme': Asia braces for El Niño
Weather models project a potentially strong El Niño this year, which could spell disaster for heatwave-hit India, drench China and hurt agriculture across south-east Asia
TL;DR
- El Niño has an 80% chance of forming before September and a 90% chance before November.
- The impacts of El Niño could be amplified by human-driven climate change.
- India is at risk of intensified heatwaves and weakened monsoons, severely affecting agriculture and water resources.
- China anticipates increased rainfall in southern regions and higher temperatures nationwide.
- Southeast Asia faces prolonged heat, severe drought, wildfires, air pollution, and stress on agriculture and power grids.
- El Niño could lead to water shortages in Mumbai and exacerbate food security issues across the affected regions.
- The region's vital tourism sector may also be impacted by extreme heat.