The El Niño weather pattern, a phenomenon associated with extreme droughts, storms and floods, is expected to strengthen before the end of the year and become one of the strongest on record, the U.

The powerful "Great Godzilla" El Nino in the Pacific may last as much as two months longer than expected because of another unusual climate phenomenon scientists have nick-named "The Blob".

A group of U.N.

"After the rain, there was a silence followed by terrible thunder and lightning," says 63-year-old resident Cristina Inga.

The Australian state of Victoria is on track for its hottest and third driest October on record, as the effects of a severe El Nino weather pattern take hold.

The possibility of a normal monsoon is high next year though its onset might be delayed because of the tail end of El Nino.

The UN has urged Pacific island nations to prepare now for a looming El Nino emergency which could affect more than 4 million people, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Tuesday.

Farmers across India who are already hit by unseasonal rains this year have to brace up as a report on Monday said that the country is headed towards the driest monsoon season for the third time in