El Niño may mean “Boy Child” in Spanish but there is nothing little about the weather system now raising concern across Africa.

As unusually warm Pacific waters reshape weather patterns thousands of kilometers away, parts of the continent could be facing a very different climate reality in the months ahead. From heavier rains and flooding in Eastern Africa to hotter, drier conditions threatening water, agriculture and hydropower in Southern Africa, the impacts could be significant.

So, what does this mean for millions of Africans already living with the pressures of a changing climate and are we prepared for what could be coming?

In this episode of Africa Watch, Robert Nagila tracks the potential impact of this powerful El Niño across the continent, examines the risks to communities and livelihoods, and looks at why experts are urging people to pay attention to local forecasts and prepare early.

Credit List:

Executive Producers: Sun Lan, Wang Haiyang

Planning Editor: Matthias Muindi

Reporter: Robert Nagila

Digital Producer: Tracy Omballa

Cameraman: Eric Mukenga

Creative Designer: Bemnet Goitom

Graphic Designer: Duncan Ogola