El Niño forecasting a hard task during unpredictable autumn, climate scientists say

An unpredictable event, such as a cyclone, is enough to start or stop an El Niño autumn. (Supplied: Ellie Rae)

Autumn's susceptibility to unpredictable weather has the likelihood of an El Niño hanging in the balance, according to climate scientists.

The country is currently on El Niño watch, which means there is a 50 per cent chance of it developing later this year, or about twice the normal likelihood.