The El Niño event that began last year is set to conclude around April this year, but its effects on the climate will linger, significantly influencing the summer in the Chinese mainland, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
El Niño, a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that impacts weather globally, reached its peak in December 2023, stated the National Climate Center. The event will end around April, completing a triple-dip La Niña to El Niño transition process that started in August 2020.
Historical data shows that the summer following an El Niño event is often the most abnormal in the Chinese mainland. Between May and June, the rise in the Indian Ocean's surface temperature will affect the western Pacific subtropical high, which plays a crucial role in the region's climate. The interaction between the tropical Pacific and the tropical Indian Ocean will continue to influence the Chinese mainland's climate, the administration explained.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates a 62 percent chance of La Niña developing by June or August. La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño, with stronger than usual trade winds pushing more warm water towards Asia. This event can also lead to a more severe hurricane season.
The China Meteorological Administration has emphasized the need to bolster preparedness for flood control and other severe weather conditions.
Reference(s):
El Nino to affect climate in China, even after expected April ending
cgtn.com
