El Niño expected to boost marine heat waves on US West Coast while sparing Sri Lanka

Scientists forecast a strong-to-very‑strong El Ñiño by late 2026, raising Pacific Ocean temperatures and triggering marine heat waves. In the United States, weakened northward winds along the West Coast are expected to reduce upwelling of cold water, increasing the risk of extensive heat‑wave events that could harm fisheries, corals, sea‑weeds and marine mammals, with economic losses running into billions of dollars.

In Sri Lanka, officials say the island’s position in the Indian Ocean and its central highlands should keep moisture levels stable. The southwest monsoon will continue through September, and while rainfall may dip in July‑August, the October‑November inter‑monsoon season should still provide about 30 % of annual precipitation. Authorities advise prudent water use and food‑security planning but anticipate only limited El Ñiño impacts.