'Supersized' El Nino could be strongest on record, UN says
The current El Nino could end up being the strongest since records began 40 years ago, the UN warns. It says the phenomenon is being "supersized" thanks to exceptionally warm temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts the El Nino weather event will be the strongest on record, lasting until February 2027, according to a recent update. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the situation as "El Nino is being supersized before our eyes." The WMO's Celeste Saulo stated this El Nino may be stronger than anything since monitoring began, off the charts.
El Nino is a natural climate phenomenon, not caused by climate change, but it can exacerbate global heating effects. It begins with warming surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, altering global wind, pressure, and rainfall patterns. This year, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific are already well above average and rising, with subsurface temperatures unusually high in some areas.
Droughts, floods, and extreme heat are already causing disruption, and Saulo warned these impacts will intensify as El Nino strengthens. The phenomenon could cause major damage to communities, economies, and supply chains globally.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
