The World Meteorological Organization predicts a cooling effect from the La Niña weather event.
For the past year, El Niño has resulted in record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather across the globe. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that La Niña, or the cooling of the ocean surface in the Pacific Ocean due to wind, rain, and atmospheric changes, will be in effect in the coming months. Despite this, the warming trends caused by human-induced climate change will persist, as stated by the United Nations organization.
La Niña is a natural weather phenomenon that was responsible for reversing the effects of the El Niño event. It primarily affects tropical areas.
The likelihood of La Niña occurring from July to September is forecasted to be 60%, while La Niño's occurrence from August to November is predicted at 70%. The likelihood of a new El Niño event with ocean surface warming during these months is practically zero.
The WMO reports that new temperature records have been established every month since the onset of the most recent El Niño phase in June. 2023 was the warmest year globally since record-keeping began. The ongoing El Niño event reached its pinnacle in December and falls into the top five strongest El Niño events since record-keeping commenced.
Ensuing temperatures are expected to remain on the rise due to the continued dependence on fossil fuels. Ko Barrett, the WMO's Deputy Secretary General, expressed concern, stating, "The end of El Niño does not signify a pause in long-term climate change, as our planet will continue to heat up due to the buildup of greenhouse gases." The WMO advocates for the implementation of global early warning systems for extreme weather by 2027.
