2023-24 El Niño – One of the Strongest on Record

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that the ongoing El Niño event, which started developing rapidly during July-August 2023 and reached moderate strength by September, is expected to be one of the strongest on record. This event is anticipated to last until at least April 2024 and is likely to fuel further increases in global temperatures. It has significant impacts on weather patterns, contributing to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts across the globe. The rapid development and significant impact of this El Niño event are noteworthy against the backdrop of the climate being changed by human activities, with 2023 on track to be the warmest year on record due to the combined effects of El Niño and high concentrations of greenhouse gases.

This El Niño event underscores the importance of early warning systems and the need for global cooperation in monitoring and preparing for its impacts. It highlights the complex interplay between natural climate patterns and human-induced climate change, with significant implications for weather, ecosystems, and economies worldwide.