El Niño is a climate pattern where sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than average, affecting global weather.

How long is this El Niño expected to last?

It is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year, peaking from late 2023 to early 2024.

What impact will El Niño have on Japan?

Japan may face hotter summers with droughts and milder winters, affecting agriculture and water supply.

How does climate change affect El Niño?

Climate change may intensify El Niño impacts, increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Could El Niño lead to higher food prices?

Yes. Droughts in Asia could reduce crop yields, potentially driving up prices for grains and coffee.

Bureau of Meteorology: El Niño has formed, likely to intensify in the second half of the year

Published Jun 16, 2026 7:40 PM ・ Updated Jun 19, 2026 3:03 AM ・ 3 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology warns that the El Niño weather pattern has formed in the tropical Pacific and could strengthen further in the second half of the year, potentially becoming one of the strongest in 70 years.

(Central News Agency, Sydney, June 16 — Comprehensive international news report) Australia's Bureau of Meteorology warned today that the El Niño weather pattern has formed in the tropical Pacific and could intensify further in the second half of the year, potentially becoming one of the strongest El Niño events in 70 years.

According to Reuters, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a statement today indicating that sea surface temperatures in the region have exceeded the El Niño threshold, and all atmospheric indicators confirm that the phenomenon has already formed.

The statement added: "Given the extent of warming in the tropical central Pacific, a strong to very strong El Niño event is expected."

"Roughly half of the models suggest that the peak of this El Niño event could reach one of the highest levels observed since 1950."

Meteorologists predict that this stronger El Niño will bring excessive rainfall to the Americas and hot, dry weather to Asia. Crops in Asia are already affected, raising concerns about food supply in the world's most densely populated region.

Scientists have stated that climate change will exacerbate the impacts of this year's El Niño. (Translation: Yang Zhao-Yan) 1150616

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Bureau of Meteorology: El Niño has formed, likely to intensify in the second half of the year

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