Live: Experts answer your questions about El Niño and its impact on Australia

Australia is officially experiencing an El Niño weather event, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) announced, marking the first such occurrence since 2023. This declaration signifies a major shift in climate drivers, with experts warning that the event could intensify to become one of the strongest observed since 1950.

The BOM noted that around half of the climate models suggest this El Niño could peak at exceptionally high levels. El Niño events are known to influence weather patterns across 60 percent of the globe, and Australia is particularly susceptible to its consequences. Historically, El Niño often brings drier conditions to central and eastern parts of the continent during winter and spring, though Australia's complex weather systems mean outcomes can vary.

To help the public understand the implications of this declaration, ABC News Breakfast meteorologist Nate Byrne and Andrew Watkins from the Climate Council are hosting a live Q&A session. They aim to address questions about what the arrival of El Niño means for Australians, providing expert insights into the potential impacts on weather patterns and daily life across the country. The session is designed to demystify the complex climate phenomenon and offer clarity on its significance for Australia.

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around half of the models indicate this event could peak at levels among the highest observed since 1950