‘Prepare for surprises’: Experts caution over powerful El Nino impact globally

The last Super El Nino had a major impact on weather patterns and economies across the world. Scientists are now warning that the upcoming El Nino could become even stronger and may affect the lives of hundreds of millions of people globally as it is expected to continue strengthening until the winter season.

El Nino, which means “Little Boy” in Spanish, is a natural weather cycle linked to the Pacific Ocean. During this phenomenon, the surface winds near the equator that usually blow from east to west become weaker or sometimes reverse direction. According to experts, this climate pattern occurs irregularly, ranging from every two years to once in a decade.

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What extreme weather events could a powerful El Nino trigger worldwide

According to a report by CNN, some computer models suggest that the upcoming El Nino could become stronger than all previous events and may turn out to be the most intense one since at least 1950. Experts believe its effects could include severe flooding in some regions, while other parts of the world may face droughts, extreme heat waves, and destructive wildfires.

Climate scientists have also warned about “four surprises” that could emerge because of the upcoming El Nino, raising concerns about its possible impact on weather, environment, and daily life across different countries.

How much economic damage did previous El Nino events cause globally

CNN cited studies on past El Nino events, especially the powerful 1997-98 “El Nino of the Century”, which showed that the economic damage caused by such climate events can reach trillions of dollars globally. However, experts also noted that some countries may benefit from milder winters and changes in weather patterns brought by El Nino.

As per News18 reports, during the 1982-83 El Nino event, the world reportedly faced global income losses of around $4.1 trillion. In comparison, the 1997-98 El Nino caused even greater economic damage, with global income losses estimated at nearly $5.7 trillion.

How does El Nino affect the chances of droughts and heavy rainfall

According to CNN, El Nino does not directly create individual weather events but increases or decreases the chances of certain weather conditions happening during different times of the year. Its influence mainly changes the probability of events like heavy rain, drought, or heatwaves in different regions.

In the United States, the effects of El Nino are usually strongest during the winter months. Scientists say its connection with weather patterns during other seasons is generally weaker and less predictable.

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How have past El Nino studies helped scientists prepare for future impacts

As per News18 reports, studies conducted over the past several decades have helped scientists better understand and prepare for the effects of El Nino. Since the early 1980s, improved forecasting systems have allowed experts to predict El Nino events more accurately and plan ahead for possible weather-related impacts.

According to CNN, Andrew Kruczkiewicz, a researcher at Columbia University’s Climate School, said that more accurate forecasts have helped governments, humanitarian organisations, companies, and farmers prepare more effectively for El Nino conditions. However, he also pointed out that vulnerable and underserved communities may still lack access to important information and resources needed to stay prepared.

What did Nathan Lenssen say about climate change and El Nino

According to CNN, climate change has made the upcoming El Nino more unpredictable because it is developing in a much warmer world compared to the major El Nino events of 2015-16, 1997-98, and 1982-83. Scientists believe rising global temperatures could increase the intensity and impact of weather conditions linked to El Nino.