The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the El Niño phenomenon has begun.
This meteorological phenomenon with consequences for the entire planet is characterized by the warming of the surface of the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean and occurs every 2 to 7 years on average. “Depending on its strength, El Niño can cause a variety of impacts, such as increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and droughts in some parts of the world,” stated NOAA climatologist Michelle L’Heureux, who added that it could also lead to record-breaking temperatures.
In May, in fact, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecast that the 2023-2027 period would be the hottest period ever recorded on Earth due to the combined effect of El Niño and global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
Hurricanes
As a result of El Niño's anticipated presence, NOAA's Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Hurricane Prospects for 2023, which was released last month, highlight the possibility of strong cyclonic activity in the central and eastern Pacific basins.
El Niño forecasts are updated monthly, while Atlantic hurricane forecasts will be renewed in early August.
Source: AFP/EFE/ agraria.pe