Australia warns El Nino weather pattern set to be strongest in decades

Australia’s weather bureau has warned that an El Nino weather pattern has formed in the tropical Pacific and could intensify in the second half of the year, becoming one of the strongest in seven decades.

The Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement on Tuesday that sea surface temperatures in the region had exceeded El Nino thresholds, and atmospheric indicators also suggested the phenomenon has begun.

“Forecasts are pointing towards a strong to very strong El Nino event, based on the extent of warming in the central tropical Pacific,” it said.

“Around half of the models indicate this event could peak at levels among the highest observed since 1950.”

Forecasters expect the weather to bring excessive rain to the Americas and hot, dry conditions to Asia , which is already experiencing crop-planting issues, raising concerns about food supplies.

According to the bureau, El Nino is linked to reduced rainfall in winter and spring, particularly affecting Australia’s eastern coast and leading to higher daytime temperatures in the south.

The weather pattern is especially damaging to Australia because it affects agricultural production in the country, which is among the world’s biggest exporters of wheat, sugar and beef.

Scientists have said climate change ⁠will supercharge the effects of this year’s El Nino.