Thursday 15 Oct 2026
People swim at the Rasfannu beach in Male' City: Met Office states highest sea temp in 2026 recorded in September. (Sun Photo/Aaish Ashraf)
The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has reported that the effects of El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with significant shifts in global weather patterns, were the strongest in the Maldives last month, with phenomenon expected to peak in December this year.
According to Met Office’s latest El Niño update, the phenomenon strengthened in September, with the Niño 3.4 index rising to 2.1°C. Reports indicate that this reading reflects a particularly severe El Niño event. Meanwhile, sea surface temperatures in parts of the eastern equatorial Pacific have risen abnormally, exceeding 4.0°C above average.
Citing models from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Met Office noted that the current event could potentially rank among the strongest El Niño episodes on record. Such events typically contribute to above-average global temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns and an increased risk of droughts and flooding in various regions.
El Niño strengthened in September 2026, with the Niño 3.4 index reaching +2.1°C and expected to peak in December. Read the full MMS update: https://t.co/75DXRg11xG https://t.co/u7FzKBOFAo
— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) October 14, 2026
Met Office stated that weather conditions in the Maldives have remained warmer than usual from January through the end of last month. Sea surface temperatures have risen steadily since June, reaching their highest levels last month. In many parts of the country, sea surface temperatures have exceeded the average by more than 1.0°C. The agency also noted that the “feels-like” temperature has been significantly high across various regions this week.
Furthermore, maximum temperatures recorded at most weather stations across the Maldives remained above the usual range. Rainfall patterns during the first nine months of the year varied considerably, with some regions receiving above-average precipitation while others experienced significant shortfalls.
The national weather agency warned that rising sea temperatures in the Maldives due to El Niño pose a threat to coral reef ecosystems and could disrupt ocean currents, potentially affecting the fisheries industry. Reduced rainfall in certain areas could also have adverse effects on agriculture.
Met Office advised the public to remain alert to weather conditions in the coming months. In response to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific, the Maldives Meteorological Service and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continue to urge the public and relevant authorities to take proactive preparedness measures to minimise potential impacts and manage disaster risks.
