Australia's Bureau of Meteorology Declares El Niño, Warns of Potentially Strongest Event in Decades

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has officially declared an El Niño weather pattern in the tropical Pacific Ocean, warning it could intensify in the second half of 2026 and become one of the strongest events recorded since 1950. This climate pattern is linked to hotter and drier conditions for Australia, increasing the risk of drought, heat waves, and bushfires, particularly across central and eastern regions during winter and spring. Globally, El Niño is expected to impact temperature and rainfall patterns, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events.