The Maldives Meteorological Service has reported that the effects of El Niño were the strongest so far this year in September, and that the phenomenon is expected to peak in December.
In its latest update, the Met Office said the Niño 3.4 index rose to +2.1°C in September. Models cited from the World Meteorological Organization suggest the current event could rank among the strongest on record. Sea-surface temperatures in parts of the eastern equatorial Pacific have exceeded 4.0°C above average.
Temperatures across the Maldives have already been above the seasonal average since the start of the year, and sea temperatures have also been elevated since June. Authorities are monitoring the potential for marine heatwaves that could stress coral reefs, as well as shifts in rainfall that may affect agriculture and fisheries.
The Met Office has advised stakeholders in tourism, fisheries and agriculture to prepare for continued above-normal temperatures and variable rainfall patterns through the coming months.