The El Niño phenomenon, while often linked to increased rainfall, is causing varied weather impacts globally. Kenya and East Africa are bracing for higher rainfall and potential floods, while other regions face extreme drought.

• The World Meteorological Organisation has identified regions like the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia (including Indonesia), and Australia as facing below-normal rainfall and heightened drought risks.
• This occurs because the warming ocean temperatures in the Pacific disrupt atmospheric circulation, altering global weather patterns.
• While East Africa, including Kenya, expects increased rainfall, southern Africa is forecast to experience reduced rainfall, leading to dry conditions and crop failures.