Strong El Niño Predicted to Cause Drought and Food Shortages in Southern Africa and Asia-Pacific

A powerful El Niño event is forecast to persist from July 2026 through March 2027, bringing severe drought, extreme heat, and water scarcity to Southern Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. This critical timing aligns with key planting and crop-growing seasons, raising significant concerns about widespread food insecurity and malnutrition affecting millions across these areas.