By Khamis Cosmas Lokudu
El Niño conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific, setting the stage for a likely surge in global temperatures, disruptive weather, and climate patterns.
“El Nino describes the warming of sea surface temperature,” World Meteorological Organization warned.
The World Meteorological Organization forecasts that there is a 90% probability of the El Niño event continuing during the second half of 2023.
It is expected to be at least of moderate strength. The WMO information combines forecasts and expert guidance from around the world.
Onset of El Niño will increase the likelihood of breaking temperature records and triggering extreme heat in many parts of the world and the ocean,” WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas, said.
The pronouncement by WMO is a signal to governments around the world to mobilize preparations.
“Early warnings and anticipatory action of extreme weather events associated with major climate phenomena are vital to saving lives & livelihoods,” Taalas added.
The last major El Niño was in 2016, which remains the hottest year on record.
The new El Niño comes on top of increasing global warming driven by human-caused carbon emissions, an effect the World Meteorology Organization called a situation that is bad in two different ways.
Meanwhile from July 5th -12th 2023, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Center warned governments that Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over much of central to northern South Sudan, western Ethiopia, and parts of southern and western Sudan.
The expected heavy rainfall is likely to cause flooding in flood-prone areas.