The headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are pictured before a press conference to launch the World Climate Report at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, May 18, 2022. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
GENEVA: The World Meteorological Organization forecast Wednesday that a La Niña weather pattern will continue at least until the end of the year, marking the first time in this century that three consecutive Northern Hemisphere winters have occurred.
Trade winds strengthened from mid-July to mid-August, intensifying La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific, affecting temperatures and precipitation patterns, exacerbating droughts and floods in various parts of the world.
The WMO El Niño/La Niña Update states that the current La Niña, which started in September 2020, will continue for the next six months, with a 70% chance from September to November 2022 and We expect it to drop to 55% from December to February.
La Niña refers to a decrease in sea surface temperature coupled with wind and rainfall. It usually has an opposite effect on weather and climate than El Niño, the warm period of the so-called El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
“The third consecutive year of La Niña events is exceptional,” said WMO Executive Director Peteri Taalas. cannot be stopped or reversed.” statement.
He said worsening droughts in the Horn of Africa and southern South America exhibited features of a La Niña, as did Southeast Asia and Australia, which had above-average rainfall.
“Unfortunately, the new La Niña Update confirms regional climate forecasts that a devastating drought in the Horn of Africa will worsen, affecting millions of people,” he added. rice field.
