El Niño tightens grip on Pacific as authorities warn of drought and extreme weather

APIA, 26 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN) — Climate scientists indicate El Niño conditions are strengthening across the central Pacific, raising concerns about below-normal rainfall, higher temperatures and increased drought risk in many island nations. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than average, affecting wider weather patterns. In Sāmoa, the Meteorology Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is urging government agencies, businesses, communities and households to prepare for prolonged dry conditions. Recommended measures include conserving water, protecting crops and livestock, avoiding unnecessary burning during dry conditions and safeguarding vulnerable people from heat-related illnesses.

The Meteorological Division says the conditions could place pressure on water supplies, agriculture, public health, energy production and the natural environment. “El Niño also influences tropical cyclone activity across the Southwest Pacific, and Sāmoa faces an elevated risk of tropical cyclone impacts during the 2026-2027 cyclone season. ” The Division says rainfall has steadily declined. “Most meteorological observation stations in July recorded normal to below-normal rainfall, followed by well-below-normal rainfall in August, making it one of the driest months on record in Sāmoa. September rainfall ranged from normal to below normal,” the statement said. As Sāmoa approaches the 2026-2027 tropical cyclone season, communities are being urged to remain prepared for severe weather and tropical cyclones regardless of prevailing El Niño conditions. In Palau, Island Times has reported the country has officially entered drought conditions and is under Stage One of its…