The next El Niño, the reversal of Pacific currents that periodically disrupts the weather, will cause less havoc than when it last occurred in 1997 to 1998. Although floods and droughts are again expected, forecasters at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have predicted that the El Niño expected to develop in the next six to nine months will be relatively feeble. El Niño events, which bring warm waters to the equatorial Pacific and throw normal weather patterns around the world out of whack, occur once every three to five years.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
2
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
3
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
4
The last-ditch plan to save coral reefs from utter destruction
5
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
6
Remarkable fossils rewrite the story of how animals conquered the land
7
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
8
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
9
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
10
Do turmeric and curcumin have any actual health benefits?
