The natural weather event known as «El Niño» has begun in the Pacific Ocean, probably adding heat to a planet that is already warming due to climate change.
But what is expected from this phenomenon?
For this year, droughts and floods are predicted until the end of the year, which will threaten islands in the Pacific, to heavy rains in South America and droughts in Australia, and in various regions of the world.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says that the return of El Niño would lead to a period of neutral conditions, especially in temperatures, altering rainfall patterns, and even affecting fishing and agriculture.
Read more: Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted
The UK Met Office, on the other hand, has said that there have been signs in its forecasts for several months, but it really looks like the phenomenon will peak and last until the end of the year.
El Niño Southern Oscillation or ENSO, as it is properly called, has three different phases: warm, cold and neutral, and it is believed that this year’s event will have an 84% chance of exceeding moderate strength by the end of this year.
