A strengthening El Niño means temperatures will remain high, but some areas could see rain in the coming months, while others face drought. El Niño is a phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and is one of the most powerful drivers of year-to-year climate variability. El Niño events typically occur every two to seven years, developing between March and June and reaching peak intensity between November and February. Also forecast is a positive Indian Ocean Dipole – a climate pattern where the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer on average, while the eastern Indian Ocean becomes cooler than normal. El Niño is strengthening – adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires and record hot seas.”