Maldives to see higher temperatures through November due to El Niño

Temperatures across the Maldives are expected to remain above normal levels over the next three months due to El Niño conditions, the Maldives Meteorological Service has said.

The Met Office issued its outlook on Friday for the period from September to November, outlining expected temperature and rainfall patterns across the country.

According to the forecast, temperatures are expected to remain above average across all regions of the Maldives during the three-month period.

Rainfall patterns, however, are expected to vary between regions.

The Met Office said atolls from Haa Alifu to Dhaalu are expected to receive above-average rainfall. The highest rainfall is forecast for the area between Noonu and Alifu Alifu atolls.

In the south, atolls from Huvadhu Atoll to Addu are expected to receive below-average rainfall during the period.

The Met Office said it is monitoring El Niño conditions and changes in sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

According to the agency, sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific have risen by around 2 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.

In mid-August, the sea surface temperature anomaly in the region stood at 1.8 degrees Celsius, while increases were also recorded across other areas used to monitor El Niño.

The Met Office said higher sea surface temperatures associated with El Niño could affect coral reefs in the Maldives, with prolonged heat increasing the risk of coral bleaching.

Changes in rainfall could also affect agriculture, while variations in sea surface temperatures could have implications for fisheries, according to the agency.

The Met Office called for preparations to address possible effects on agriculture resulting from changes in rainfall patterns and said developments in sea surface temperatures should also be monitored for their impact on fisheries.