UN warns of 'supersized' El Niño as impacts intensify globally
The current El Niño could become the strongest in over 70 years, with effects lasting until at least 2027.
1Potentially the strongest El Niño in 70 years
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that the current El Niño could reach the strongest level seen in over seven decades, with impacts lasting until at least February 2027. In the Pacific Ocean's key monitoring region, sea surface temperatures have been more than 2°C above average in recent weeks. Monthly averages are expected to rise up to 4°C above normal, which would make it the strongest El Niño since at least 1950.
2Disrupting global weather patterns
El Niño alters weather patterns worldwide, causing droughts in some regions while others experience stronger typhoons and floods. China expects seven typhoons to make landfall this year alone. In July, three typhoons (Bavi, Noul and Maysak) caused dozens of deaths. In August, Typhoon Dolphin forced over 1 million people to evacuate their homes due to heavy rains and strong winds.
3Extreme ocean temperature rise
Sea temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific have risen sharply in recent months. In some areas, subsurface temperatures reached 8°C above average. Above-normal sea temperatures are also expected in the Indian Ocean, tropical Atlantic and around parts of Australia's coast. These conditions are putting severe pressure on marine ecosystems.
4Marine heatwave threat to Australia
Australia is particularly vulnerable to marine heatwaves driven by climate change. Researcher Dr. Alistair Hobday stated, 'Southern Australia is getting slammed.' The last marine heatwave caused starving penguins, mass fish deaths, suffocating algae blooms and jellyfish invasions in South Australia and Tasmania. The country has developed early warning systems for marine crises.
5Drought and wildfire risks
The WMO forecasts drier-than-usual conditions across Southeast Asia, Central America and northern South America in coming months. In Indonesia, over 107,000 hectares have burned this dry season. Wildfires in Central Kalimantan have caused dangerous air pollution levels for over a month. Authorities are using cloud-seeding aircraft and have arrested dozens for alleged arson to clear land.
6Panama Canal trade disruption
The Panama Canal Authority will reduce ship transits by over 10% due to expected low rainfall. About 14,000 vessels use this artificial waterway annually, which is crucial for global trade and generates $3 billion yearly for Panama. Drought-induced operational issues are expected to impact global supply chains.
7Early warning systems activated
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, 'El Niño is becoming supersized before our eyes.' The WMO has launched a major mobilization to disseminate El Niño-related extreme weather forecasts to as many communities as possible. Early warning systems have been strengthened and pre-emptive medical assistance planned, but the event's intensity raises particular concerns for vulnerable populations.
8An unprecedented climate event
Scientists note the current El Niño is already among the strongest on record and could potentially break records. When this natural phenomenon combines with human-caused climate change, the effects become more devastating. This situation carries long-term implications for global food security, water resources, biodiversity and human health on an unprecedented scale.
Original article: BBC News — BM, 'süper boyutlu' El Niño uyarısı yaptı