The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a United Nations agency, escalated its warning on 3/7 regarding a strengthening El Nino phenomenon. This climate pattern is rapidly intensifying from July, potentially driving global temperatures higher than last month's already record-breaking figures. The WMO had previously issued a cautious forecast last month, predicting a moderate or strong El Nino.
El Nino is a climate phenomenon linked to the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean or tropical sea areas. This phenomenon alters global weather patterns and typically occurs every two to seven years. Meteorological agencies classify El Nino into four intensity levels, based on the average three-month sea surface temperature: weak (0,5 to one degree C), moderate (one to 1,5 degrees C), strong (1,5 to two degrees C), and very strong (two degrees C or higher) – a phenomenon often referred to by media as a "super El Nino."
The strengthening El Nino carries an increased risk of drought, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves over land and sea in many regions. Global temperatures are expected to continue their upward trend. Alvaro Silva, a WMO scientist, noted that Earth often records highest temperatures during El Nino years. Previously, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and the Vietnam Hydrometeorological Administration all warned about the probability of the strongest El Nino phenomenon on record since 1950.
Europe has already experienced severe heat. Clare Nullis, a WMO spokesperson, stated that as early as June, Europe recorded record temperatures in many areas. Last weekend, Germany set a new temperature record of 41,7 degrees C. This occurred even though July is typically the hottest time of the year.
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A temperature display outside a pharmacy in Toulouse, France on 22/6. Photo: AFP |
From 20-28/6, Europe endured its worst heatwave in history, disrupting power generation, damaging infrastructure, and overwhelming healthcare systems. Scientists confirm that climate change is the cause of increasing extreme heatwaves.
According to WMO forecasts, drier weather is expected in Central America, the Caribbean, North and South America, with even less rain in some Southeast Asian areas. Experts state that extreme heat from a "super El Nino" threatens to reduce agricultural output and place significant pressure on power grids in many Asian countries.
In response to the escalating climate threat, Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, announced that the organization has launched an "unprecedented mobilization campaign" at global and regional levels. This initiative aims to support governments, humanitarian organizations, and sectors vulnerable to climate change, such as agriculture and health.
The El Nino phenomenon is forecast to continue strengthening until September and intensify further in the later months of the year.
Bao Bao (according to Reuters, WMO)
