The United Nations has warned that El Niño is already disrupting lives around the world, with its “surging” climate pattern raising the risk of months of heatwaves, floods, drought and extreme weather.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said there is a “nearly 100 per cent” likelihood that El Niño will persist through to February, noting this is the first time an El Niño update has been so unequivocal.
The WMO’s secretary-general, Celeste Saulo, said the climate driver, which was officially declared underway in June, has already dealt a blow to communities worldwide.
“We are already seeing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods, and we expect these impacts to increase as El Niño intensifies,” she said.
The phenomenon is expected to peak at very high intensity towards the end of the year — potentially at a record-breaking level — with lasting effects on the climate well into 2027 and the prospect of unprecedented global heat.
Read more: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/el-nino-effects-around-the-world/f7vvh8wdp
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