Super El Niño strengthens to record levels in Pacific
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 11:08 · Archive
El Niño has strengthened to unprecedented levels, with average sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific reaching record highs.
El Niño has strengthened to what some scientists describe as 'unprecedented levels', with several key measurements now in record territory. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology reported that average weekly sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific have reached their highest level on record. Scientists also declared a new record for daily sea surface temperatures in the central-eastern Pacific in September, exceeding the previous record set during the very strong El Niño of 2015.
Temperatures above 30C have been recorded for the first time in parts of the tropical Pacific, with record sea-surface temperature anomalies and exceptional subsurface warmth observed. El Niño is a naturally occurring pattern that happens about every two to seven years and typically lasts around a year. However, the Pacific is also warming due to human-induced climate change, which is beginning to mask the strength of the natural warming during El Niño.
The event is expected to reach its peak in December. Forecasters are now using a Relative Ocean El Niño Index to enable better comparison to historical events and account for overall ocean warming.
How it is being reported
- Super El Nino sets new record as it strengthens to 'unprecedented levels'More than 450,000 deaths have been forecast by experts as the climate phenomenon begins to take its grip, with new records expected to be set 'by a remarkable amount'The Mirror · 15 Oct, 10:55
- Super El Niño sets another record as it strengthens to 'unprecedented levels'El Niño has continued to strengthen, with several key measures now in record territory. Simon King explores how it compares to previous events.BBC Science · 13 Oct, 12:18
In this story: Australia's Bureau of Meteorology · Pacific Ocean
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