El Niño has officially ended, and the global weather patterns are set to shift with the arrival of La Niña in the upcoming months. El Niño, characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has been influencing weather events worldwide for the past year. Now, as we enter a neutral phase before La Niña takes over, changes are on the horizon.
The transition from El Niño to La Niña is expected to bring sizzling temperatures across the US, particularly in the Lower 48 states. This summer could be one of the hottest on record, with above-average temperatures forecasted. Additionally, dry conditions are expected in the western half of the US, raising concerns about potential droughts and heatwaves.
The absence of El Niño will also impact hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. With El Niño no longer present to inhibit storm development, experts are predicting a hyperactive hurricane season with more storms forming and potentially making landfall along the US coast. The record-breaking water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean could further fuel storm formation and intensity.
While La Niña may eventually have a cooling effect on global ocean temperatures, the process is slow, and the excess heat stored in the oceans from fossil fuel emissions will continue to impact climate patterns. El Niño, which arrived in June of 2023 and became one of the strongest on record, contributed to record-breaking air and ocean temperatures globally over the past year.
The influence of El Niño was also felt in various weather events around the world, from droughts in Africa to extreme rainfall in Kenya and California. The full impact of El Niño over the last 12 months is still being studied, but its effects on weather patterns have been significant.
As we look ahead to the upcoming months, the shift from El Niño to La Niña will bring changes in temperature, precipitation, and storm activity. It is crucial to monitor these developments and prepare for potential weather extremes in the coming months. Stay informed and stay safe.