The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has warned that a very strong El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to affect Ghana into the first half of 2027, with potential impacts including a harsher dry season, prolonged dry spells and increased flood risks in parts of the country.
According to the agency, the anticipated El Niño conditions are likely to alter normal weather patterns, posing challenges for agriculture, water resources management and disaster preparedness.
GMET indicated that the phenomenon could lead to significantly reduced rainfall in many areas during the dry season, resulting in extended periods of dry weather and heightened pressure on water supplies, crop production and livestock activities.
The agency, however, cautioned that while many parts of the country may experience dry conditions, some southern areas could also face an increased risk of flooding due to irregular and intense rainfall events associated with the weather pattern.
Meteorologists have urged farmers, local authorities and disaster management agencies to take precautionary measures and incorporate the forecast into planning and preparedness efforts.
The warning comes as governments and climate experts across the world continue to monitor the effects of El Niño, a naturally occurring climate phenomenon linked to the warming of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can influence weather patterns across different regions.
GMET said it would continue to monitor developments closely and provide regular updates to the public and relevant stakeholders to support timely decision-making and reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions.
The agency advised the public to stay informed through official weather updates and heed guidance from relevant authorities as the country prepares for the expected climatic challenges in the months ahead.