The El Nino weather pattern, known for causing extreme events such as wildfires and tropical cyclones, is forecasted to transition back to the generally cooler La Nina conditions later this year, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
El Nino, characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific, typically leads to extreme weather events. In contrast, La Nina is marked by cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific region and is associated with increased risks of floods and droughts.
The WMO stated that there is a 60% probability of La Nina conditions developing between July and September, increasing to a 70% chance between August and November.
“The end of El Nino does not mean a pause in long-term climate change as our planet will continue to warm due to heat-trapping greenhouse gases,” said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.
This anticipated shift underscores the ongoing variability and complexity of global weather patterns, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness for extreme weather events.