In southern Africa, the El Niño – caused by warmer sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean which affect air pressure and wind directions – usually brings below-average summer rainfall and increases the risk of drought. This means poor harvests of maize, a staple crop for many countries on the continent.
The current “super” El Niño is expected to reach very strong intensity, peaking towards the end of 2026 and lasting through at least February 2027.
