The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) said it is closely monitoring El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean and other major climate drivers that could influence weather patterns in the Maldives.

In a post on X, Met Office stated that sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are currently above normal, indicating that El Niño conditions are now present. The climate pattern typically occurs every two to seven years and usually lasts between nine and 12 months, although some events can continue for several years.

The agency said El Niño can affect weather, wildfires, marine ecosystems and economies around the world. The service also noted that rainfall in the Maldives often differs from long-term monthly averages during El Niño years, with some months experiencing above-average rainfall while others receive less than normal. However, it stressed that no two El Niño events are identical, as differences in their timing and intensity can produce varying rainfall patterns across the country.

Met Office emphasised that El Niño alone does not determine rainfall in the Maldives, noting that other climate drivers, including the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), also influence weather conditions. The agency said it will continue monitoring the development of these climate systems and their potential impact on the Maldives.