Bureau of Meteorology puts Australia on 'El Ni?o alert'

Update warns there is a 70% chance of the climate system developing before the end of this year, raising the risk of heatwaves and bushfiresFollow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastThe Bureau of Meteorology has placed Australia on "El Ni?o alert", warning there is now a 70% chance of the climate system developing before the end of this year.El Ni?o tends to reduce rainfall and push up daytime temperatures in winter and spring, increasing the risk of bushfires, heatwaves and coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...