While El Niño is often associated with drought and extreme prolonged dry conditions for the western Pacific and wetter than normal conditions in the central and easter Pacific, experts from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) say the naturally-occurring climate phenomenon can also bring opportunities for some Pacific Island countries.

For Bouchard Solomona, a career in climate science began almost as soon as he left the classroom.

Joining the Cook Islands Meteorological Service (CIMS) straight out of school, Bouchard has spent the past nine years serving the people of the Cook Islands, helping to monitor and understand the climate and weather patterns that affect communities across the country.

“I love science,” he says. “I took a lot of science subjects in school, so it felt like a natural fit. It’s been good so far.”

El Niño conditions have now been established in the Pacific. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) values have met the established thresholds required to formally declare El Niño conditions.

El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual. This changes rainfall and wind patterns across the region. El Niño events usually occur every two to seven years and can last from several months to more than a year.

The Pacific Regional Climate Centre (Pacific RCC) is drawing attention to the latest El Niño/La Niña Update issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which signals a significant and accelerating shift in Pacific Ocean conditions heading into the second half of 2026.

The Pacific hydrometeorological community marked an important milestone in Koror, Palau, with the launching of the new Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) website which will improve access to vital climate and ocean data, tools, and products, thus supporting Pacific Island stakeholders to use climate and ocean information to enable Pacific peoples to remain resilient to the impacts of climate change and disasters so they are able to lead safe, secure and properous lives.

Ms. Asi Fangalua K Halaleva-Pasilio’s story is a rather interesting one – born and raised in the Kingdom of Tonga, currently residing in Nukunonu, Tokelau, and fluent in Tonga, Tokelauan and Samoan. 

Ms. Pasilio is the multi-faceted, multi-talented female powerhouse at the head of the Tokelau Meteorological Service, under the Department of Economic Development, Natural Resources and Environment (EDNRE).