Authorities in Myanmar have announced scheduled power outages as the country grapples with increased electricity demand amid an intense heatwave attributed to the ongoing El Nino weather phenomenon. The energy ministry issued a statement warning citizens to prepare for rotational power cuts starting Tuesday to manage the strain on the national grid.

The ministry highlighted that unusually high temperatures have driven up electricity consumption, necessitating load management measures to reconcile demand with the available generation capacity. Myanmar relies heavily on hydropower, which constitutes the largest share of its electricity supply. However, the end of the wet season has raised concerns over declining water levels in reservoirs that feed these plants.

Weather officials have forecasted a series of extreme climatic challenges linked to the “Super El Nino,” including abnormal rainfall, storms, drought, and severe heat that could exacerbate water shortages. In recent weeks, the country’s southernmost Tanintharyi region experienced heavy rains resulting in flooding and a fatal landslide that claimed at least nine lives.

The nation’s fragile power infrastructure, already vulnerable from ongoing conflict and limited investment, has frequently subjected residents to unscheduled blackouts. The scheduled outages aim to minimize sudden disruptions by rotating power cuts across different areas. Still, the capacity to cope varies among the population; wealthier households often rely on generators or backup batteries, while poorer communities face significant hardships without access to fans or air conditioning amid the heat.

Officials cautioned that as Myanmar transitions into the dry season, which typically spans from October to May, reservoir levels at hydropower facilities are expected to decline more sharply, potentially intensifying power shortages. The energy ministry emphasized the need for prudent electricity use during this period to mitigate the risk of widespread outages.