El Niño phenomenon could be strongest in over a century

The natural climate pattern El Niño, developing over the Pacific Ocean, is drawing global searches after scientists and meteorological agencies pointed out that the event has the potential to be the strongest in over a century. The projection indicates that the warming of the waters could raise global temperatures and intensify extreme weather events in various regions of the planet.

How the climate pattern works

El Niño is a climate pattern that occurs naturally every two to seven years and lasts about a year. Trade winds that usually blow from east to west over the Pacific Ocean weaken or reverse, allowing warm water to spread eastward. As a result, heat is released from the ocean into the atmosphere, raising global temperatures and altering rainfall patterns.

Intensity forecasts and heat records

Meteorological models indicate that sea surface temperatures in the Pacific could rise by about 3°C or more by the end of the year, when the event peaks. Experts classify the phenomenon as unprecedented in records dating back to the 19th century. The heat release associated with the event indicates that the following year could surpass previous marks and register even higher global temperatures.

Global impacts on agriculture and supply

The effects of the phenomenon are already causing changes in weather patterns in various parts of the globe, including below-average rainfall in Asia and risks of severe droughts and fires in areas of South America and Australia. International organizations warn that agricultural disruptions resulting from crop failures and supply chain disarray could threaten vulnerable populations with food crises.

Weather conditions in Europe

While tropical regions face profound risks of drought, areas of northwestern Europe, including the UK, tend to experience wetter and stormier conditions during autumn and early winter. Local authorities are monitoring the forecasts in light of the possibility of a transition from dry periods to intense episodes of rain and storms after months of drought.

With information from BBC, Climate Prediction Center (.gov), The Guardian.