The National Meteorological Centre (MET Office) has announced that the impacts of the "El Niño" climate pattern have reached the Maldives, causing temperatures across the country to remain well above normal so far this year.

In a statement released today, the MET Office stated that the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean strengthened significantly last month, pushing its index to +2.1 degrees Celsius. This weather pattern is projected to peak in severity around December.

According to the MET Office, temperatures across the Maldives have remained higher than normal from January through last month. Particularly since June, sea surface temperatures have fluctuated, reaching record highs last month. Maximum temperatures recorded across various meteorological stations have also exceeded normal averages, accompanied by significant shifts in rainfall patterns.

While some regions experienced heavy rainfall during the first nine months of the year, rainfall in other areas remained below average. Globally, El Niño has triggered flooding in some countries and drought risks in others. The MET Office warned that abnormally warm sea surface temperatures pose a major threat to Maldivian coral reefs, increasing the likelihood of coral bleaching. Coupled with shifting ocean currents, this could severely hinder the fisheries sector—one of the country's primary industries. Furthermore, agricultural damage is a distinct possibility in regions experiencing reduced rainfall.

As El Niño continues to impact various parts of the world, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has previously urged the public and relevant authorities to take proactive precautionary measures to mitigate potential adverse effects.