Strong El Nino Forecast Raises Concerns for Global Agriculture in 2026
A forecast for a strong El Nino event in 2026 is raising concerns about its potential impact on global agriculture. According to a report by Reuters, meteorologists predict hotter and drier conditions across Asia in the latter half of the year, which could significantly affect crop yields and food supplies. The Japan weather bureau estimates a 70% chance of El Nino developing during the northern hemisphere summer, with the possibility of it persisting until the end of the year. This climatic phenomenon, characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is expected to bring below-average monsoon rains to India for the first time in three years. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing fertilizer shortages and high fuel costs due to the Iran war, which are already impacting farmers in regions like Australia and India. 
