“Super El Niño” Threatens Latin America: These Countries Are Already Activating Plans to Face Its Impact

Super El Niño in Latin America.

Countries activate preventive measures.

Agriculture faces serious risks.

The climate phenomenon known as El Niño has now officially begun, and forecasts indicate it could become the most intense episode recorded in several decades.

Meteorological authorities warn that its effects could be felt over the coming months through extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, and prolonged droughts.

In response, governments across Latin America have begun strengthening monitoring and prevention systems to reduce potential risks.

Experts warn that the consequences could extend beyond weather conditions, affecting water supplies, agricultural production, and food prices.

NOAA warns of an exceptional climate event

Super El Niño Threatens Latin America-Photo: Shutterstock

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that El Niño has officially developed in the tropical Pacific after months of monitoring.

The U.S. agency issued an official advisory after determining that ocean conditions are evolving toward a particularly intense event.

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«Forecasters predict a 63% probability that sea surface temperatures will exceed 2.0°C in the Pacific region monitored for El Niño.»

«If that threshold is exceeded, NOAA classifies the event as ‘very strong,'» the agency explained while presenting its latest forecast.

Argentina and Brazil brace for extreme rainfall and drought

In Argentina, the National Meteorological Service expects ocean temperatures to remain above normal over the coming quarters.

Authorities are maintaining close surveillance because the phenomenon could alter normal rainfall patterns and increase temperatures across several regions.

Brazil is also expecting significant climate contrasts, with drought affecting parts of the Amazon while heavy rainfall is forecast for the country’s southern regions.

Meteorologists from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research believe these conditions could cause substantial agricultural losses and reduce food production.

Central America fears impacts on food supplies and agriculture

Central American countries are preparing for below-average rainfall and higher temperatures across much of the region.

Representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama have met to coordinate strategies aimed at strengthening preparedness and response efforts.

Carl Skau, Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), warned that El Niño could affect approximately 16 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to Skau, rising temperatures could reduce crop yields, drive up food prices, and increase the risk of food insecurity in vulnerable communities.

Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador intensify Super El Niño monitoring

Chile is preparing region-specific measures ranging from water conservation recommendations to flood prevention efforts and crop protection strategies.

Chilean authorities have also urged residents to inspect homes and infrastructure in anticipation of above-normal rainfall in some areas.

In Colombia, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) warned of higher temperatures, reduced rainfall, declining river levels, increased wildfire risk, and possible public health concerns.

Meanwhile, Ecuador continues monitoring ocean conditions off its coast and is developing new technologies to track the evolution of the phenomenon and anticipate potential impacts.

Mexico, Peru, and Paraguay accelerate preventive actions

In Mexico, authorities expect higher temperatures and increased rainfall associated with the Pacific hurricane season.

The government said it is strengthening coordination among agencies, reviewing temporary shelters, and expanding a nationwide cellphone emergency alert system.

Peru remains under an El Niño alert that could extend through April 2027, while Paraguay is coordinating response plans for possible flooding and agricultural damage.

«Peru’s Meteorological Service recommends that decision-makers consider the various risk scenarios in order to adopt disaster risk reduction measures,» SENAMHI stated, according to CNN en Español.