UN warns strong El Nino will heighten drought, floods, and heatwaves

This climate phenomenon warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to global changes in winds, pressure, and rainfall patterns. El Nino typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts about nine to twelve months. The WMO's monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update indicates a rapid development into a strong El Nino event during July-September, reaching the third-highest level out of four classifications.

WMO climate scientist Alvaro Silva noted increased confidence in the development of strong El Nino conditions in the equatorial Pacific. The WMO may issue further updates if forecasts suggest a "really strong El Nino." Forecasts from global climate centers show consistent and significant warming of ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, with sea-surface temperature anomalies expected to exceed 2C in key monitoring regions.

El Nino is projected to continue strengthening during the Northern Hemisphere autumn, with its influence extending globally. The last El Nino contributed to 2023 being the second-hottest year on record and 2024 reaching an all-time high of approximately 1.55C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. While El Nino usually peaks between November and February, the resulting temperature spike typ