The World Meteorological Organization now puts the probability of El Niño forming at 80% before September and 90% before November. In India, a weakened monsoon could prolong deadly heatwaves and damage crop planting, while Mumbai’s 22 million people depend on seven rain-fed lakes that have only 45 days of water left. China’s National Climate Centre expects 20% higher rainfall in the south, and Qinghai authorities urged residents to stockpile emergency supplies. Southeast Asia faces prolonged heat, drought, and air pollution, according to climate scientist Justin Sentian. This is the first detailed regional assessment published since the UN’s initial 80% warning on 2 June.
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This is the first detailed regional assessment published since the UN’s initial 80% warning on 2 June.