El Niño Weather Phenomenon Expected to Bring Extreme Conditions Globally
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
The world is preparing for a powerful El Niño event expected to cause extreme weather globally, including heavy rains, floods, and heatwaves. Meteorologists predict significant impacts on agriculture, food supplies, and potential disease outbreaks. Israel's Meteorological Service forecasts a 11-15% increase in rainfall this winter, with potential for severe flooding and snowfall, particularly in October and November.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A strong El Niño event is predicted to bring extreme weather, including floods and heatwaves, worldwide.
- This year's El Niño may cause sea surface temperatures in the Pacific to rise up to 3.8 degrees Celsius above normal.
- Australia has already experienced severe flooding in Melbourne due to heavy rainfall linked to El Niño.
- Israel anticipates an 11-15% increase in rainfall this winter, with potential for significant flooding and snowfall.
- Experts warn of increased risks of disease outbreaks due to extreme weather conditions and stagnant water.
The world is bracing for a potent El Niño event this year, with experts predicting a significant increase in extreme weather phenomena. This climate pattern, characterized by a cyclical change in sea surface temperature in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, can lead to severe weather events such as floods and heatwaves, impacting agriculture, food security, and potentially leading to disease outbreaks.
El Niño, which translates to "The Child" in Spanish, occurs when warm waters in the Pacific shift eastward, altering atmospheric heat and moisture balances and influencing weather systems worldwide. This year's El Niño is anticipated to be particularly strong, with sea surface temperatures in the Pacific expected to be up to 3.8 degrees Celsius higher than average, and potentially even higher in some months. The last major El Niño event a decade ago caused heavy rains and flooding in California.
Countries are already experiencing the effects. Australia, for instance, has recently seen severe flooding in Melbourne due to heavy rainfall. The increased rainfall and standing water can create conditions conducive to the spread of diseases, such as those transmitted by mosquitoes, according to climate crisis committee member Nadav Davidovitch. Davidovitch noted that El Niño has been occurring for many years and affects the entire globe, including Israel and the Middle East.
Meteorologist Boaz Dayan, owner of the Israel Weather website, stated that while predicting the exact nature of the events is difficult, extreme weather is certain. For Israel, the Meteorological Service has warned of an increased risk of heavy rainfall and flooding this coming winter, with precipitation expected to rise by 11% to 15%. Certain regions like the Negev, Golan, and Galilee could see rainfall increases of up to 145% above average.
Dayan further predicted that October and November will likely be very rainy across Israel, with rainfall potentially doubling the average. This could lead to flooding in the southern region, with severe cold and heavy rain possible. He also anticipates significant snowfall events as winter approaches, including in Jerusalem.