Floods in Eldas Sub-county, Wajir County. [File, Standard]
The World Meteorological Organization says there is an 80 percent chance of El Niño conditions developing between June and August, rising to 90 per cent thereafter.
According to UN News, the organisation warned that the climate pattern could significantly disrupt global weather systems.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the update is critical because El Niño strongly influences global climate, with impacts reaching far beyond the Pacific to affect agriculture, water resources, energy supplies, trade, supply chains and livelihoods.
Reports cited by The Guardian note that current tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures are about 6°C above average, raising concerns that the developing event could intensify extreme weather impacts on vulnerable regions.
