Bangkok: Scientists have officially declared the onset of the El Ni±o phenomenon, which could escalate into one of the most intense in recorded history. Leading weather forecasting organizations caution that El Ni±o is predicted to cause significant disruptions to global weather patterns until 2027.
According to Thai News Agency, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported a 63% likelihood that this El Ni±o will reach a very severe level between November and January. This event may become the most severe since 1950, with models from the U.S. and Europe forecasting Pacific sea surface temperatures to exceed the average by over 3 degrees Celsius by the year's end. Scientists emphasize that the swift transition from La Ni±a to a severe El Ni±o is unprecedented in 75 years of records. The accumulated heat from El Ni±o, along with ongoing global warming, could potentially make 2027 the hottest year in human history.
Regionally, Asia and Australia are expected to endure severe droughts, reduced rainfall, and extreme heatwaves. Europe and the United Kingdom could face volatile weather conditions, including rain and strong winds during the fall and early winter. In the United States, the south is likely to experience storms and heavy rainfall, while the northwest may be warmer and drier. South America is anticipated to suffer from heavy rainfall and severe flash flooding. Overall, the El Ni±o phenomenon is likely to result in prolonged droughts, crop damage, increased food prices, and more hardships for families.
In Thailand, a more severe El Ni±o typically results in lower-than-normal rainfall, increased drought risk, lower reservoir levels, decreased agricultural yields, higher average temperatures, and a greater risk of wildfires and haze.
Previously, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to consider the impending El Ni±o as an urgent climate warning. He highlighted that El Ni±o would intensify global warming and called on all countries to expedite climate measures, such as reducing fossil fuel reliance, transitioning to renewable energy, protecting vulnerable populations, and developing comprehensive early warning systems.
Scientists are particularly concerned that this El Ni±o is not merely a natural event but is exacerbated by decades of accumulated global warming. This could lead to record-high temperatures in affected areas. Additionally, the World Health Organization has warned of an increase in mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya, as temperatures fluctuate.