UN warns likelihood of ‘extreme weather events’ as El Nino set to intensify

World Meteorological Organization forecasts more likelihood of heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall due to El Nino.The United Nations’ weather watchdog is warning governments and humanitarian organisations to brace for “extreme weather events” including heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall due to the El Nino weather phenomenon.The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a statement on Friday that El Nino conditions had already set in and are “forecast to strengthen rapidly” between July and September.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Are Europe’s extreme summers the new normal? What the science sayslist 2 of 3World’s oceans experience hottest June ever, scientists say more heat aheadlist 3 of 3What is a heat dome? The US heatwave explainedend of listEl Nino typically peaks between November and February.The UN agency has activated climate information services and early warning systems to help governments and humanitarian agencies prepare support plans for farmers and vulnerable communities.“El Nino conditions are already under way and are forecast to strengthen rapidly into a strong event – as accurately anticipated by WMO forecasts,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.“This will intensify the chances of drought and heavy rainfall and the risk of heatwaves on land and heatwaves" class="entity-link entity-topic" data-entity-id="158002" data-entity-type="topic">marine heatwaves in many regions of the world.”Saulo added that “advanced seasonal forecasts and early warnings are vital to save lives and cushion the impact on our economies and our communities.”El Nino is a natural climate phenomenon that warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns.El Nino events typically occur every two to seven years and usually last between nine and 12 months. Not all regions of the world are affected.Conditions oscillate between El Nino and its opposite La Nina – both phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – with neutral conditions in between.