FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The United Nations has warned that a new phase of the El Niño climate phenomenon could begin in the coming weeks and intensify during 2026, contributing to a further increase in global temperatures at a time when the planet is facing the consequences of climate change.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there are signals that this phenomenon could become one of the most powerful episodes recorded to date, with the possibility of reaching the level of a "super El Niño", increasing the risk of extreme weather events in many parts of the world.
Scientists are closely monitoring the warming of waters in the central Pacific, where recent data show a shift from below-average temperatures to significant warming, a characteristic indicator of the development of El Niño.
This phenomenon is created when changes in wind direction favor the spread of warm water masses in the tropical Pacific Ocean, directly influencing global climate patterns.
Experts point out that large masses of water with very high temperatures, which in some areas are more than 6 degrees Celsius above average, are moving into the depths of the Pacific, creating conditions for further strengthening of the phenomenon over the coming months.
"We are convinced that a major event is approaching, possibly even a record," said Professor Adam Scaife from the UK Met Office.
According to specialists, El Niño is considered formed when sea surface temperatures remain more than 0.5 degrees Celsius above average for an extended period, while an increase of more than 2 degrees is classified as a “super El Niño.” Since 1950, only a few episodes of this level have been recorded.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that El Niño will amplify the effects of global warming, stressing that its consequences are expected to be more intense and widespread on a global scale.
A strong El Niño is usually associated with droughts and high temperatures in South America, Southeast Asia and Australia, as well as increased risk of forest fires. It can also weaken monsoons in India, cause droughts in East Africa and increase the risk of flooding in the southern United States.
In Europe, including the United Kingdom, the impact of the phenomenon is more limited, but may be associated with milder winters in the early stages and colder ones at the end of the season.
Historically, El Niño has been associated with increases in food prices and significant economic losses globally, due to the damage it causes to agriculture and supply chains.
However, scientists emphasize that predicting the exact impact remains difficult, as the development of the phenomenon depends largely on the behavior of atmospheric winds, which are difficult to predict in the long term.
Experts warn that even if El Niño does not reach the intensity of a "super El Niño", its effects could still be significant, as it will act on a planet that has already been significantly warmed by human activity.
According to current projections, the year 2027 could rank among the hottest years ever recorded in modern history.
Lini një Përgjigje