Exploring the Implications of the Official Arrival of El Niño in the U.S.

El Niño Brings Hotter Weather and More Extreme Climate Conditions

The onset of El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon marked by warmer ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, is having a worsening effect on global weather patterns. According to climate expert Dr. Michelle L’Heureux, “it could lead to new records for temperatures.” The natural climate pattern exacerbates the effects of climate change caused by human activities, which is quickly and significantly increasing Earth’s temperature variability.

Temperatures Rise as El Niño Kicks In

El Niño usually sets new records for temperatures, which is one of the outcomes of the natural climate pattern. In addition, El Niño adds to the effect of climate change and supersedes Earth’s natural temperature variability. For example, the last eight years were the hottest ever recorded, with a La Niña taking hold in late 2020 that only just ended, depressing global temperatures. El Niño usually increases the likelihood of experiencing hotter and drier conditions.

Extreme Weather Occurs Around the Globe

The exacerbation of climate change effects by El Niño leads to extreme weather conditions around the world. In the northern United States and Canada, the natural pattern is likely to drive drier, warmer weather, which exacerbates wildfires, as recorded in Canada this year. Meanwhile, the southern US, where heavy rainfall is becoming more common due to climate change, is being hit by flash floods more regularly during El Niño years. These floods often result in fatalities and loss of property damage, indicating the huge risk climate change poses in many communities.

Hurricane Forecasts During El Niño Years

Although normally characterized by fewer storms, El Niño is typically not good for Atlantic hurricanes due to the poor wind conditions. However, climate change, and the resulting warm water around the Atlantic Hurricane zone, has the potential to fuel and strengthen these storms. Hence, El Niño years like this one are not always an indication of fewer storms to come. Instead, meteorologists are forecasting slightly above-average storm activity in the affected regions.

Advice for US Residents

The onset of El Niño has multiple impacts on US territories and the rest of the world, and its effects can exacerbate the risks posed by climate change. It is, therefore, essential that US residents take the necessary precautions to mitigate these risks. The relevant authorities should step up and provide all necessary resources, including infrastructure and public education, to help lessen the negative effects of El Niño and climate change. By working collectively and taking action to protect communities, we can start to mitigate the damaging impact of climate change and ensure a safer future for the environment and its inhabitants.