Forecasters expect the stronger weather event to bring excessive rains to the Americas and hot, dry conditions in Asia where crop planting is already being disrupted, raising concerns about food supplies in the world's most populous region.
Sea surface temperatures in the region exceeded El Nino thresholds and atmospheric indicators all aligned with the phenomenon, the Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.
Cattle graze in a field near Cooma, New South Wales, Australia in 2023. Photo by Reuters
"Forecasts are pointing towards a strong to very strong El Nino event, based on the extent of warming in the central tropical Pacific," it added.
"Around half of the models indicate this event could peak at levels among the highest observed since 1950."
