U.S. meteorologists say an El Nino has formed. That's the natural warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather around the globe. It is likely to a major factor in extreme and deadly weather across the planet for the next year or so. The one announced Thursday is expected to rival the record and costly 1997-98 El Nino. It is usually strongest in the wintertime, and it makes it incredibly likely that 2027 will set a record for the hottest year globally. The United Nations secretary-general says El Niño conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world.
A new report from the United Nations weather agency gives a three-out-of-four chance that the next five years will average more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures. That's the international safety limit set in 2015. There's an even higher chance — 86% — that one of the next five years will smash the global heat record set in 2024 and next year looks like a leading contender. So expect more extreme weather. The next five winters in the Arctic are predicted to be nearly 3 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the last five years. Meteorologists also forecast an Amazon drought that may spark wildfires.
A spring heat wave is scorching parts of Western Europe, breaking temperature records and triggering government warnings. A temperature of 95 Fahrenheit was recorded in London on Tuesday. On Monday, London hit 95.2 F, smashing the previous record of 91.4 F set in 1922 and 1944. France is also seeing record temperatures, with temperatures reaching 97°F. Several drownings have been reported in Britain and France as people try to cool down. Experts say unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more frequent. The U.K. Health Security Agency issued an amber health alert, warning of potential health risks, especially for older people.
