Updated

Meteorologists confirmed that a 'super' El Niño event is now nearly certain to develop, with wide-ranging effects on global weather beyond typical temperature and rainfall shifts. In the Philippines, PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando warned that the strengthening El Niño is expected to bring way below-normal rainfall—potentially a 60% or greater reduction in some months—as the event peaks toward year-end. The dual reports highlight both the scientific novelty of some of El Niño's lesser-known side effects and its practical consequences, particularly drought risk in Southeast Asia.