Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent reports by the World Meteorological Organization of the El Niño weather pattern.

The latest World Meteorological Organization reports, with contributions from the Met Office, show that El Niño is emerging. Latest forecasts suggest it is likely to be a large event, which could drive record global heat and produce widespread climatic impacts in tropical countries. The Met Office is closely monitoring the evolution of El Niño, which is expected to peak at the end of the year. The Met Office will continue to provide forecasts and advice on associated impacts to Government and other stakeholders, to support mitigation of potential impacts in countries that will be adversely affected by El Niño.