Weather phenomenon El Niño has begun,with NOAA scientists saying it'll intensify through 2026. Could be among the most intense yet,raising alarms over global temperatures,weather impacts.
El Niño kicks off in Pacific Ocean,marked by shifts in wind patterns allowing warmer waters to spread across central,eastern tropical areas. NOAA noted sea surface temps there have climbed over 0.5°C above normal . And atmospheric pressure over central Pacific is dropping — clear sign this pattern's underway. Japan's Meteorological Agency confirms these findings.
Experts warn: this El Niño might pack a punch due to unusually warm subsurface waters,up to 6°C higher than normal in places. Deep-sea heat like this often signals surface warming. NOAA sees 63% chance this will be "very strong," with sustained 2°C+ surface temp rise . Would rank it among biggest since 1950.
Strong El Niño's effects could be vast. Celeste Saulo from World Meteorological Organization says it could worsen droughts,heavy rains,spike heatwaves both on land,in ocean . Climate change pushes 2027 toward record-breaking heat.
Weather impacts vary by region. In South America,Southeast Asia,Australia,strong El Niño often brings hot,dry spells,raising drought,wildfire risks. But in southern U.S.,it might bring more rain,increasing flood threats. Indian monsoon could weaken,hurting agriculture.
UN's António Guterres calls for global readiness,warning El Niño will worsen warming planet's challenges. Droughts in key farming zones could jeopardize food supply,especially with existing disruptions in Strait of Hormuz affecting fertilizer flow . South American fishing communities might face reduced catches from less nutrient-rich waters .
Some compare it to 2015-16 El Niño,which caused severe weather,water shortages in Caribbean,record storm season in central Pacific. UN's Food and Agricultural Organization said storms,droughts then led to food shortages for millions.
IPCC notes El Niño events since 1950 generally stronger than before,but unclear how climate change plays in. Some models hint global warming could spur more frequent,intense El Niños,yet research here remains complex,without firm consensus.
El Niño alternates with La Niña,its cooler sea surface temperature counterpart . La Niña usually brings wetter conditions to Australia,drier weather to southern U.S. These patterns typically switch every two to seven years,though back-to-back occurrences happen…
