What could El Nino mean for the Gulf region?
The El Nino weather phenomenon , predicted to be one of the strongest on record, has been forecast to increase temperatures in many world regions – but in the Gulf its main effect could be to cause more rainfall. Larger amounts of precipitation may arrive in October and November, and from March to May, including severe bouts that could raise the risk of flooding, although this is not guaranteed.…
El Nino, a strong weather phenomenon, is expected to bring more rainfall to the Gulf region during October and November, as well as from March to May. This could potentially lead to severe flooding, although it is not guaranteed. The World Meteorological Organization predicts that this El Nino could last until February, fueled by exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures.
Dr Diana Francis, head of the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences Laboratory at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, explains that El Nino generally shifts the Gulf and parts of the Arabian Peninsula towards wetter conditions. Dr Andries-Jan de Vries from the University of Lausanne adds that heavier downpours may become more likely, especially when combined with dry soils.
The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology has stated that the country is expected to escape the worst effects of the El Nino, although it may experience more rain. Recent flooding in late March, almost two years after the most extreme rainfall on record, underscores the need for improved drainage systems to cope with severe rains.
El Nino is a natural phenomenon caused by the upwelling of water in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, leading to warmer sea-surface temperatures and influencing global climate patterns. It occurs irregularly, typically every two to seven years, and has been forecasted to be exceptionally strong this year. The phenomenon influences weather patterns in the Gulf region through warmer sea-surface temperatures, changes in regional circulation, and shifts in the subtropical jet stream.
While El Nino increases the likelihood of wetter conditions, it does not guarantee rainfall. The impacts on temperature in the UAE and Gulf are relatively weak compared to background climate warming and regional circulation.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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