El Niño brings drought and flood risks to one region: WMO outlook through March 2027
The World Meteorological Organization warns of sharply different risks across the South-West Indian Ocean: southern areas may face rainfall deficits, while the north sees higher odds of heavy rain, floods and landslides. The outlook runs to March 2027 and calls for local, multi-hazard planning.
One climate signal, different hazards
El Niño may bring several kinds of dangerous weather to the South-West Indian Ocean, the World Meteorological Organization warns. Southern areas face a greater chance of rainfall deficits and drought, while northern areas have higher risks of heavy rain, flooding and landslides.
Islands need plans for several scenarios
For island states, the combination of high temperatures, possible downpours, coastal exposure and limited resources means preparing for more than one hazard. WMO expects above-normal temperatures across much of the region. Basin-wide cyclone activity may be below normal, but that does not remove the risk of an individual severe storm affecting a particular island.
An outlook is a probability, not a disaster timetable
The seasonal outlook covers the period through March 2027 and describes elevated likelihoods rather than exact dates. Its practical value is in checking water supplies, public warnings, drainage, agricultural resilience and evacuation plans early. The sooner a risk becomes a concrete preparedness measure, the more damage can potentially be avoided.
Photo: World Meteorological Organization.
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