El Niño 2026‑2027 drives climate alerts and agricultural risks across Latin America
Peru’s National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (ENFEN) kept the coastal region under an El Niño alert, projecting the phenomenon to persist through the summer of 2027 with strong intensity until October 2026 and a return to moderate‑strong conditions thereafter. The agency warned of above‑normal air temperatures, higher‑than‑average rainfall in the north and a shift of anchoveta to deeper waters.
In India, the monsoon’s southwest advance coincides with an 84 % chance of below‑normal precipitation during the 2026 kharif season. Reservoir storage is still above the ten‑year average, but the Indian Meteorological Department expects the El Niño to suppress rains, threatening rice, millet, soybean and cotton yields.
Colombia’s coal‑fired power plants are being positioned as a reliable backup as the country’s hydro‑electric output faces potential shortfalls under El Niño‑driven drought. Government and industry groups note that coal supplied about 18 % of national generation during the 2015‑16 El Niño, and current installed capacity of 1 653 MW can serve roughly 6.6 million customers.
Argentina’s Buenos Aires province issued a forecast of a warm El Niño phase lasting to August, with sea‑surface temperature anomalies above 2 °C, increased storm activity and above‑average rainfall that could stress soils and crops in the northwest and central zones.
Honduras’ meteorological centre (Cenaos) reported that a moderate El Niño is advancing the canícula season and cutting expected rainfall to under 10 mm in many areas, heightening water scarcity for agriculture.
Regional experts warned that a possible “Super El Niño” could intensify drought, heatwaves and forest‑fire risk from the Amazon to the Patagonia, urging stronger prevention and emissions cuts.
Bogotá’s water utility (EAAB) confirmed that, based on long‑term hydrological simulations, the city’s water supply will remain sufficient through the 2026‑27 El Niño despite reduced inflows to the Chuza reservoir, thanks to additional capture projects and treatment‑plant upgrades.