In addition to a strong El Niño, a so-called positive dipole is also predicted - a climate pattern in which the western part of the Indian Ocean becomes warmer than average, while the eastern part becomes colder.
Together, the two weather phenomena can amplify the effects of extreme weather such as drought, flooding and the risk of forest fires, especially around the Indian Ocean.
In addition, sea surface temperatures are expected to be higher than usual, the WMO warns, and it is now intensifying coordination to provide early warnings to governments, humanitarian organizations and climate-sensitive activities such as agriculture.
