Australia now in El Niño climate pattern, increasing bushfire risk, BOM says

BoM warns it's likely this summer will be hotter than average and certainly hotter than the last three years'

• The BoM has finally declared an El Nino. What does it mean - and why did it take so long?
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The Bureau of Meteorology has declared that Australia is now in an El Nino climate pattern that will increase the chances of a hot and dry summer, and heighten the risk of dangerous bushfires.

Dr Karl Braganza, the BoM's manager of climate services, confirmed the event was underway at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, and said it was associated with an increase in fire danger and extreme heat risk".