Colombian government confirms El Niño to be among most intense since 1950

Colombia's Ministry of Environment has confirmed that the El Niño phenomenon will arrive three months ahead of schedule and is projected to be one of the most intense recorded since 1950. Data from the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (Ideam) indicates a high probability of a "very strong intensity" event occurring between November 2026 and January 2027.

El Niño is characterized by elevated sea surface temperatures and atmospheric heat. Forecasters, including the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), predict that the phenomenon will strengthen significantly in the second half of 2026, peaking in late 2026 and early 2027. The anticipated impacts are expected to be severe across Colombia's Andean, Caribbean, and Pacific regions.

Residents and authorities are bracing for significant temperature increases, reduced water availability, and a deterioration in air quality. Given these dire predictions, the Colombian government has stressed the urgent need for proactive measures. These include intensified efforts in preventing forest fires and enhanced environmental monitoring. Ghisliane Echeverry, the director general of Ideam, urged both authorities and communities to activate their contingency plans and bolster water management strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard lives.

The government emphasized that these confirmed forecasts underscore the critical importance of immediate action. The environmental sector has already implemented concrete measures for territorial entities, environmental authorities, citizens, and the private sector. This coordinated response aims to prepare the nation for the potentially devastating effects of this exceptionally strong El Niño event.