Australia's Bureau of Meteorology says a strengthening El Niño now locked in place in the Pacific Ocean could become the strongest on record, with the Guardian reporting it could make 2027 the hottest year yet recorded.
Key facts
- Australia's Bureau of Meteorology says the developing El Niño could be the strongest on record.
- The El Niño is described as now locked in place in the Pacific Ocean.
- Most Australian capital cities have at least an 80% chance of an unusually warm and dry spring.
- Climatologists described the climate model forecasts as 'mind blowing' and 'astounding'.
- The phenomenon is linked to record global temperatures and, the Guardian reports, could make 2027 the hottest year on record.
A strengthening El Niño climate phenomenon now locked in place in the Pacific Ocean could develop into the strongest on record, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The Guardian reports the forecast could make 2027 the hottest year ever recorded.
According to the Guardian, climatologists are watching the developing system with increasing alarm. They described the forecasts emerging from climate models in the coming months as “mind blowing” and “astounding”.
The El Niño phenomenon is linked to record global temperatures. The BoM’s assessment that the current event could be the strongest on record has heightened concern among scientists monitoring its progression.
The Guardian reports that most Australian capital cities have at least an 80% chance of experiencing an unusually warm and dry spring as the system continues to build.
Forecasters have said they are “waiting with bated breath” over how strong the event will ultimately become. The full extent of the El Niño’s strength is not yet known and climate models are being closely tracked in the months ahead for clearer signals.
Why it matters
The El Niño phenomenon is linked to record global temperatures, and the BoM says the current event could be the strongest on record. According to the Guardian, forecasters warn it could make 2027 the hottest year yet recorded and bring an unusually warm and dry spring to most Australian capital cities.
Frequently asked questions
Could 2027 be the hottest year on record?
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the developing El Niño could be the strongest on record, which raises the prospect that 2027 could become the hottest year ever recorded.
How will the El Niño affect Australia?
The Guardian reports that most Australian capital cities have at least an 80% chance of an unusually warm and dry spring as the system strengthens.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a climate phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean that has been linked to record global temperatures. The current event is described as now locked in place in the Pacific.