# How the Super El Niño Could Intensify Global Warming in the Himalayas Scientists warn that the anticipated super El Niño could exacerbate the climate crisis in the region. - **Source:** [Scientific American Content: Global](https://brifing.si/source/4f066134-e06d-4415-87ef-305e3dc2aba6) - **Published:** 2026-09-02 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/efd6fb6a-81bc-4652-b72e-e13cf015fa53 ## After the disaster in the Himalayas Rescue operations continue following last week's devastating avalanche and flood disasters in Nepal and Tibet. Believed to have been triggered by a massive landslide in the high Himalayas, this catastrophe has claimed over 1,000 lives. While experts investigate climate change's role in this event, they warn that the approaching super El Niño could amplify warming in the region. ## Impact of global warming on high mountains Rising global temperatures have made high-altitude areas worldwide increasingly unstable. As disaster risks escalate in regions like the Himalayas, one of the strongest El Niño events on record is expected this year. Experts note that beyond decades of global warming, this climate phenomenon could have unpredictable effects on Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas. ## Global effects of El Niño and La Niña El Niño and La Niña are cyclical climate patterns that influence weather worldwide. During El Niño years, ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific rise above normal, while La Niña years see cooling in this region. Typically peaking around December, El Niño can cause coral bleaching in the tropics, wildfires in Indonesia, and heavy rainfall in parts of South America. ## Expected climate scenarios in the Himalayas Prof. Kaustubh Thirumalai from the University of Arizona states that El Niño makes conditions more unpredictable in regions like the Himalayas. A classic El Niño brings unusually warm summer temperatures following its peak and a drier monsoon season. Thirumalai warns that this period could see increased melting and avalanche risks. ## Role of regional factors Climate events in the Himalayas cannot be explained solely by El Niño. Thirumalai emphasizes that the Indian Ocean's influence, prevailing wind patterns, and unique microclimates can modify El Niño's effects. Columbia University's Prof. Mingfang Ting notes that if this El Niño transitions to La Niña by next summer, it could bring more precipitation to the region, potentially stressing already vulnerable glaciers. ## Abnormal temperatures in August Scientists cannot conclusively determine El Niño's role in the Nepal-Tibet floods. However, Prof. Ting points out that August saw abnormally high temperatures, which may have increased snow and ice melt, leading to slope instability. She adds that the connection between August warming and El Niño remains uncertain. ## Role of human-induced climate change Thirumalai notes that the region has experienced above-normal warming for several years, primarily due to human-caused climate change. He warns that next summer, combined with El Niño's influence, could bring even greater warming to the area. Experts emphasize the need for caution during June, July, and August when melting and avalanche risks peak. ## Importance of scientific research Scientists stress the need for more research to understand and predict climate change impacts. In sensitive regions like the Himalayas, better understanding of climate models and improved early warning systems are crucial. Experts urge policymakers and the public to take action based on scientific findings to mitigate future risks. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-super-el-nino-could-turbocharge-warming-in-the-himalayas/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._