‘Unpredictable and extreme’: Asia braces for El Niño The UN and WMO warn of an imminent El Niño, potentially supercharged by climate change, with significant impacts predicted for Asia. India faces a “deadly combination” of intensifying heatwaves and weakened monsoons, threatening agriculture and water supplies. China is preparing for increased rainfall in the south and higher temperatures, while Southeast Asia anticipates prolonged heat, drought, wildfires, and agricultural stress.

• 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.