On March 5, local time, the World Meteorological Organization released a report pointing out that the El Niño phenomenon that occurred from 2023 to 2024 has reached its peak, becoming one of the five strongest El Niño events on record. El Niño is currently weakening, but it will continue to affect the global climate in the coming months. From March to May, temperatures will be higher than normal in almost all land areas.
According to the World Meteorological Organization**, there is a 60% chance that El Niño will persist from March to May, and an 80% chance of a neutral condition (neither El Niño nor La Niña) from April to June.
El Niño occurs on average every 2 to 7 years and usually lasts 9 to 12 months, affecting weather changes in many parts of the world. World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Celeste Solo said that new monthly temperature records have been set every month since June 2023, and 2023 is the hottest year on record. The El Niño phenomenon has contributed to these record temperatures, with heat-trapping greenhouse gases undoubtedly to blame.
El Niño has also triggered flooding in the Horn of Africa and southern the United States, as well as unusually dry weather in Southeast Asia, Australia, and southern Africa, and exacerbated droughts in northern South America. Celeste Solo said that the El Niño phenomenon has a significant impact on society and the economy. Early warnings of weather and extreme weather associated with El Niño have saved countless lives, and seasonal forecasts provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have helped countries prepare to reduce damage to sectors such as agriculture, water and health.
*: CCTV news client.