The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has announced that a strong El Niño condition could develop by the end of 2026, potentially leading to extreme weather events.

According to the department, sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the Tropical Pacific Ocean near the equator are showing signs favorable for the development of El Niño. Based on forecasts from international meteorological agencies and climate models, weak El Niño conditions are already emerging and could strengthen significantly toward the end of 2026.

Although El Niño originates in the Pacific Ocean, its impacts can affect weather patterns globally. The department warned that Myanmar could experience abnormal rainfall, rising daytime temperatures, unusual storm activity, droughts, and other extreme weather events linked to the phenomenon.