El Niño 2026-2027
Child-Centered Outlook
Explainer
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UNICEF
01 September 2026
El Niño conditions are expected to reduce seasonal rainfall in Timor-Leste from Nov 2026 to Apr 2027.
This could cause extreme drought and heat, water shortages, erratic rainfall and reduced agricultural production. Children face the greatest consequences across health, nutrition, education and protection. Early and anticipatory action remains the best and most affordable solution.
Learn more at EL NIÑO 2026: Timor-Leste Child-Centered Outlook
Read UNICEF's analysis of how droughts affect children, what El Niño is; and see the current conditions and hotspots map, along with a seasonal outlook.
Need to know:
- Act before crisis peaks: Preparedness in Oct-Dec 2026 can prevent avoidable malnutrition, unsafe water exposure, learning loss and protection risks.
- Water security protects children: Safe water is the first line of defence for health, hygiene, school attendance and dignity, especially for women and girls.
- Climate shocks are child shocks: Drought affects food, health, learning, mental well-being and protection, not only agriculture.
- Funding now saves more later: Early investment enables faster, more targeted and more cost-effective action in the highest-risk municipalities.
