THE ElNiño phenomenon has reached a strong El Niño state this September, with sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean near the equator showing significant El Niño characteristics, resulting in abnormal weather patterns. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has announced that the strong El Niño conditions may persist from October 2026 through February 2027, with the phenomenon potentially remaining at its strongest during this period.
In general, the El Niño phenomenon can cause a delayed onset and early withdrawal of the monsoon, irregular rainfall patterns, heavy rainfall, strong winds, drought, water shortages and high temperatures. Recently, Myanmar has experienced episodes of heavy rainfall, with some areas experiencing or continuing to experience flooding. Therefore, people should be aware that the strong El Niño conditions may result in unexpected weather conditions.
According to weather forecasts, although extremely hot conditions may be experienced after the period of heavy rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon ends, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in various parts of the country due to moderate monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea and the southern Bay of Bengal, strong development of cumulonimbus clouds, and cloud bands extending from a low-pressure cell developing along the central coastal areas of Vietnam. In addition to weather forecasts, attention should also be paid to the potential impacts and consequences of severe weather.
As strong El Niño conditions are expected to continue causing abnormal weather patterns, special attention should be paid to possible weather events, associated natural disasters and their potential impacts on public health. Under the current weather conditions, heavy rainfall and strong winds may trigger natural hazards such as flash floods and landslides. Therefore, people living near hilly areas should remain alert to the risk of landslides, while those living near rivers and creeks should take precautionary measures against flooding and inundation.
Currently, due to severe weather conditions, some flood-control embankments in Ayeyawady Region and Yangon Region have been damaged, resulting in flooding and inundation in residential areas. Relevant ministries and organizations, together with residents, are continuing to take vigorous and accelerated measures to control and prevent further water intrusion by mobilizing machinery and manpower and employing appropriate technical measures.
As abnormal weather patterns caused by the El Niño phenomenon are expected to continue, concerted efforts must be sustained to prevent and mitigate various natural disasters that may occur. Preparatory measures must also be taken in advance to respond to potential natural disasters that have not yet occurred.
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