UN warns of powerful El Niño as India reels from deadly heatwave

The United Nations has issued a stark warning to nations across the globe—including Australia—to prepare for a moderate to strong El Niño event this year, as India grapples with a devastating heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius and forced unprecedented disruptions to daily life.

The World Meteorological Organization estimates the likelihood of El Niño developing by November at "near or above 90 per cent" and warns the phenomenon is expected to be "at least moderate and possibly strong," threatening to intensify drought and heatwaves in some regions whilst bringing torrential rainfall in others.

Extreme heat cripples India's infrastructure

India's unseasonably early heatwave has reached critical levels, with temperatures soaring well above 45 degrees across much of the nation. The extreme conditions have forced schools to close, sent power consumption to record levels as residents desperately seek cooling relief, and compelled farmers to abandon daytime labour in favour of night-time work.

Public spaces have emptied, with afternoon markets deserted as citizens seek refuge indoors. The health and economic toll is mounting, with the heatwave claiming lives and disrupting normal functioning across cities and rural areas alike.

The world must treat it as a warning that climate extremes will intensify, requiring urgent preparation and adaptation measures.

Australia faces potential impacts

The UN's El Niño forecast carries significant implications for Australia, which regularly experiences severe drought and elevated fire risk during El Niño years. The phenomenon—characterised by warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific—typically reduces rainfall across eastern Australia and intensifies heat stress.

Previous strong El Niño events have coincided with Australia's most severe droughts and bushfire seasons, affecting agricultural production, water security, and energy demand across the nation.

Global climate patterns shifting

The combination of an impending El Niño with the broader backdrop of climate change represents a "perfect storm" scenario, according to meteorological experts. The phenomenon is expected to add considerable fuel to existing heat stress in vulnerable regions, particularly across South and Southeast Asia.

Climate scientists warn that El Niño conditions, when layered upon long-term warming trends, can produce record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events that test the resilience of infrastructure, agriculture, and public health systems.

Preparation urged amid global uncertainty

The UN has called for nations to bolster their disaster preparedness, water management strategies, and early warning systems in anticipation of the El Niño event. Agricultural agencies have been advised to implement drought-resistant practices, whilst energy providers are being urged to ensure adequate supply to meet heightened demand.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology and state emergency services are expected to update drought declarations and fire risk assessments as the El Niño develops, with particular attention given to water security planning for agricultural regions already facing pressure from climate variability.

This article references reporting from ABC News and the United Nations World Meteorological Organization.