While the impact of El Niño formed in the Pacific Ocean is also affecting the Maldives, the Maldives Meteorological Service said today that temperatures in the Maldives so far this year have remained above average.
In a statement issued by the MET Office, it said that last month the strength of El Niño further intensified, and the Niño 3.4 index rose to +1.2 degrees Celsius. The statement also said that the effect of El Niño is expected to reach its highest level in December this year.
The MET Office said that as a result of this, global temperatures will rise above average, and changes to rainfall patterns in various regions of the world could potentially increase the risk of flooding and drought.
With these seasonal changes, citing its office records, the MET Office said that temperatures in the Maldives from January this year until the end of last month also remained above average.
The MET stated that while sea surface temperatures in the Maldives have been rising above average since June, temperatures rose the most last month. The MET also said that the highest temperatures recorded by most meteorological stations in the Maldives were also above average.
The MET Office also stated that although some parts of the Maldives received more rainfall than average during the first nine months of this year, the amount of rainfall received in other areas remained less than average.
One major effect on the Maldives due to El Niño is the unusually warm sea surface temperature. As a result, reef ecosystems face threats. Challenges will also confront the fishing industry due to changes in sea currents and conditions.
A second issue the Maldives could face due to El Niño is reduced rainfall in some areas. That is something that will adversely impact agriculture.
As El Niño intensifies in the Pacific Ocean, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also issued guidance last month to mitigate the impacts on the Maldives and to remain prepared in advance for potential disasters.
Although El Niño formed in the Pacific Ocean, its impact continues to affect other regions of the world as well.
