The ongoing El Niño climate event is causing severe weather in multiple countries across the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern. It can bring higher temperatures, droughts and floods. Learn more about what causes El Niño from the Bureau of Meteorology.
The current El Niño is particularly severe.
- Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay are experiencing heavy rainfall, causing flooding in some areas.
- Extreme high tides are causing damage to housing and roads along the Pacific coast of the USA.
- Wildfires and heavy smoke are affecting large parts of Indonesia. Smoke from the fires is also causing extremely poor air quality in Malaysia and Singapore.
- Parts of Asia are experiencing severe flooding and super typhoons.
- Storms and rainy seasons have been less predictable and more severe during the Atlantic, Pacific and Asia hurricane and typhoon seasons.
- Countries in Central America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific are preparing for drought, water and food shortages, and wildfires. Local authorities may introduce emergency water-saving measures.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) predicts that the current El Niño event will last into early 2027.
Be aware of how this may affect your plans if you are travelling in the coming months. Keep track of current events in your destination through the media and online. Severe weather and emergency measures may restrict what you can do and where you can go.
- Know what to do during extreme weather and natural disasters.
- Follow the local laws, including any additional emergency measures.
- Be flexible with your plans. Tourist attractions may close or have limited availability.
- Be mindful that affected communities may not be able to accommodate tourists.
Get comprehensive travel insurance, and check what it covers. Some policies exclude cover for natural disasters.