The El Niño weather phenomenon has reached its peak according to scientists and is set to decline over the next few months.
Researchers say there is a 50:50 chance that it will be replaced by a La Niña event before the end of this summer.
La Niña which involves a cooling of the Pacific Ocean, usually brings wetter conditions to Asia, Africa and Latin America.
These events can typically last twice as long as an El Niño.
Warmest January on record
While the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reports that the El Niño event has reached its apex, it is still having a significant influence on the global climate.
In combination with human induced warming, global temperatures in January were the hottest for the month since records began in 1880. The data also showed the biggest divergence yet seen from the long term record.
"In meteorological terms, this El Niño is now in decline. But we cannot lower our guard as it is still quite strong and in humanitarian and economic terms, its impacts will continue for many months to come," said Petteri Taalas from the WMO. 
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