Weather experts say El Niño conditions in the Pacific will grow stronger and may last into early 2027. Forecasters expect warmer global temperatures and changes in rain patterns during the coming months.
El Niño can bring heatwaves, droughts and heavy rain. Regions at risk include Latin America, parts of Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In Bangladesh, recent floods and landslides have already affected more than a million people and displaced thousands.
Governments and aid groups are preparing funds and safety plans. Scientists note the event is developing unusually fast and say people should get ready now.
Difficult words
- forecaster — a person or group who predicts the weatherForecasters
- temperature — how hot or cold the air istemperatures
- pattern — a repeated or usual way something happenspatterns
- heatwave — a period of very hot weatherheatwaves
- drought — a long time with very little or no raindroughts
- displace — to force people to leave their homesdisplaced
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What can people do now to prepare for strong El Niño?
- Do you or your community have plans for floods, heatwaves, or droughts?
- Which of the problems in the article worries you most, and why?
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