El Niño has officially arrived, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and forecasters say it could become one of the strongest events seen in decades.
The climate pattern, caused by warmer-than-average water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, can influence weather around the world and increase the likelihood of extreme conditions such as heat waves, droughts and flooding.
NOAA Administrator Dr. Neil Jacobs said there is a “98% chance of El Niño conditions occurring later this season and an 80% chance that this El Niño will be moderate to strong.”
Meanwhile, severe weather is once again threatening parts of the United States. Communities recently hit by powerful storms are preparing for another round of dangerous weather, with forecasters warning that some systems could develop into supercells capable of producing strong tornadoes, damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Officials are urging residents to remain alert. Horicon, Wisconsin, Mayor Josh Maas said, “when you get these severe thunderstorm warnings, when you get these tornado warnings, they’re not jokes.” The storms are expected to move through the Midwest and Plains before pushing toward the Appalachian region by Friday morning.
