El Niño Expected to Intensify Significantly by Late August

17-Jul-2026 08:15 PM

Sydney: Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have already surpassed the threshold for the onset of El Niño, and the warming trend continues.

The higher the temperature rises, the greater the strength and intensity of the El Niño phenomenon will become. Meteorologists predict that El Niño will intensify significantly by the end of August, potentially having a profound impact on numerous countries across the globe.

The effects of El Niño threaten to damage various crops in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including sugarcane, cocoa, oil palm, and other key agricultural crops. Anticipating potential damage to the sugarcane crop, the Indian government has banned sugar exports,

and it appears that Thailand may also decide to implement export controls. Severe drought conditions are feared in some Asian countries. El Niño is also likely to impact Australia, South America, and the African continent.