El Niño extremely likely to impact Australian summer, US scientists predict

Experts warn that strong vegetation growth as a result of the rare ‘triple-dip’ La Niña could result in increased fuel for fires if conditions become drier and hotter. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty Images

Eastern Australia looks set for a drier winter and spring as a US federal agency predicts an “extremely high likelihood” of an El Niño developing later in the year.

According to the US Climate Prediction Center, a weak El Niño is likely and there is an 80% chance of a moderate El Niño in the next couple of months, with a greater than 90% chance it will persist into our summer.