Maldives Swelters as El Niño Intensifies, Met Office Warns of Peak Impact in December

The National Meteorology Office of the Maldives has announced that temperatures in the Maldives have so far this year remained higher than normal levels, and that the felt temperature in various parts of the country rose significantly this week. The effect of El Niño, which formed in the Pacific Ocean, is also affecting the Maldives. In a statement issued today, the National Meteorology Office said El Niño intensified further last month and its effect is expected to reach its highest level in December this year. The office said that as a result, global temperatures rise above normal levels, rainfall patterns change, and the risk of flooding and drought increases. Citing meteorological records, the Met Office said that from January until the end of last month the temperature in the Maldives remained above normal levels, while from June the sea surface temperature has also been unusually high. Met Office offices in various regions of the Maldives also reported their highest temperature last month. In addition, the office noted that although rainfall in some areas during the first six months of this year was greater than normal levels, rainfall in other regions was lower than normal. The National Meteorology Office said that because of El Niño, the heating of the sea surface temperature in the Maldives threatens the survival of corals, and that together with changes in the weather, the fishing industry may face challenges. It also noted a high possibility of negative effects reaching agriculture because rainfall is low in some regions. As the strength of El Niño increases in the Pacific Ocean, authorities concerned with the matter, including the National Meteorology Office and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), are repeatedly urging people to reduce the negative effects it will have on the Maldives and to prepare in advance for any disaster that may occur.