Strong El Niño expected to cause record-breaking temperatures in Maldives during upcoming Northeast Monsoon: MMS
23 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 10:50MMS has warned that temperatures are expected to rise significantly during the upcoming Northeast Monsoon due to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as rainfall is projected to decrease between January and April next year, leading to a substantial increase in the perceived heat index across the archipelago.
MMS has noted that as the Northeast Monsoon begins, El Niño is expected to reach its peak intensity. This development increases the likelihood of rising temperatures across the Maldives region during the upcoming dry season. | getty images
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has warned that the Maldives could experience unusually high temperatures in the coming months as the "El Niño" phenomenon, which drives global ocean warming due to climate change, is expected to intensify.
Speaking on a state media program, MMS meteorologist Hussain Waheed stated that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to reach its peak intensity during the upcoming month of December.
Hussain Waheed stated that December marks the transitional period between the end of the southwest monsoon and the onset of the northeast monsoon in the Maldives. He noted that while the northeast monsoon typically establishes itself in January, rainfall is still expected throughout December. However, the Meteorological Office forecasts that precipitation levels will begin to decrease starting in January.
With this change, it is anticipated that hot days will outnumber rainy days through April of next year.
Hussain Waheed stated that due to the El Niño phenomenon, the "feels like" temperature across the Maldives is expected to rise significantly throughout January, February, March, and April.
He noted that while this is an issue the Maldives faces annually, it is expected to be further exacerbated this year due to the impact of El Niño.
MMS has noted that as the Northeast Monsoon begins, El Niño is expected to reach its peak intensity, potentially leading to a significant rise in temperatures across the Maldives during the upcoming dry season. Consequently, the national weather agency has warned that the coming months are likely to be warmer than average, with a high probability of temperatures exceeding normal levels.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations have warned that extraordinary rises in global temperatures will trigger significant shifts in the Earth's climate system. These agencies stated that such changes will lead to worsening droughts, torrential rainfall, and a steady, day-to-day increase in overall global temperatures.
