The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the rapidly intensifying El Niño phenomenon will dominate global weather processes in the coming months, causing extreme weather events across the planet. This was reported by Al Jazeera, writes UNN.
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In its latest updated forecast released on Friday, the UN meteorological agency stated that this periodic climate phenomenon could increase the risk of heatwaves, droughts, and floods worldwide. The report comes as countries in Africa and Europe battle massive wildfires, and the monsoon season has caused significant destruction in South Asia.
El Niño is not just on the doorstep — it has entered the house and is raising the temperature. This is just the warm-up. El Niño is intensifying, adding heat to a planet that is already burning
Sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean are expected to rise more than 2.9 degrees Celsius (5.22 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal. Such anomalous warming of surface waters is expected to disrupt weather systems and cause a rise in global temperatures.
Guterres called on countries to accelerate the fight against climate change, as the effects of El Niño combine with human-induced global warming.
He separately emphasized the expansion of fossil fuel use as a key factor deepening the crisis and called for an immediate halt to new coal, oil, and gas projects.
The WMO forecasts above-average temperatures across almost all land areas, with the strongest warming signals covering Africa, southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and South America.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated that while El Niño is closely monitored, early warnings must translate into concrete actions by governments and humanitarian organizations to protect vulnerable communities.
Forecasts alone do not prevent dangers — people do. The decisions we make today will determine the consequences we face tomorrow
Scientists warn that this year's El Niño could reach record strength during its peak in the second half of the year, although computer forecasting models remain uncertain for now.
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