Dhaka, Oct. 8 -- For Bangladesh, the most dangerous part of El Niño may not arrive as a single dramatic disaster. It could come in pieces -- a hotter season here, a failed crop there, an unexpected flood after heavy rain upstream, or a prolonged dry spell that quietly drains water supplies.

The World Meteorological Organization has forecast that the current El Niño could become one of the strongest seen in decades, with its influence lasting until February next year.

Scientists are watching for unusually warm waters in the equatorial Pacific, where temperatures could rise as much as 3.6 degrees Celsius above normal.

If temperatures rise that far, the event would rank among the most powerful on record.

BUET Institute of Water...