El Niño Declared: Scientists Warn of Extreme Weather and Rising Global Temperatures

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially declared the onset of El Niño conditions, a natural climate phenomenon that significantly impacts global weather patterns. This declaration signals a high likelihood of rising global temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events in various regions.El Niño, characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, typically occurs every 2 to 7 years. Its arrival often leads to hotter temperatures worldwide, shifts in rainfall patterns, and can exacerbate heatwaves, droughts, or heavy rainfall depending on the region. Scientists anticipate widespread impacts over the coming months.Exam Insights & GK AnalysisUnderstanding El Niño is crucial for competitive exams, particularly in geography, environment, and current affairs sections. El Niño is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which also includes La Niña (cooling phase) and a neutral phase. It affects monsoon patterns in India, often leading to weaker monsoons and drought conditions. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and NOAA are key international bodies that monitor and forecast these climate phenomena. NOAA, a US agency, was established in 1970 and its headquarters are in Washington D.C. The WMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.