Australia now in El Niño climate pattern, increasing bushfire risk, BOM says

UN’s weather agency, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), declared the onset of the climate pattern in July, but Australia’s weather agency had previously stopped short of making the declaration. Composite: Getty

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared that Australia is now in an El Niño climate pattern that will increase the chances of a hot and dry summer, and heighten the risk of dangerous bushfires.

Dr Karl Braganza, the BoM’s manager of climate services, confirmed the event was underway at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, and said it was associated with “an increase in fire danger and extreme heat risk”.