Tag

Elnino

All articles tagged with #elnino

environment1 year ago

Scientists Alarmed by Unprecedented Global Heat Surge

Scientists are investigating the causes behind the unprecedented record heat of 2023, which has continued into 2024, raising concerns about the accelerating climate crisis. While human-induced global warming and an El Niño event are major factors, other potential contributors include reduced cloud cover, decreased sulfate aerosols from shipping pollution cuts, the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption, and less Saharan dust. The situation suggests a possible climate feedback mechanism not yet understood, with 2024 likely to be the hottest year on record, surpassing the 1.5C threshold above pre-industrial levels.

environment1 year ago

"Rising Threat: The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Storms"

Climate change and a strong El Niño event are contributing to the intensity of impacts from atmospheric rivers hitting the West Coast, causing life-threatening flooding in Southern California. Research shows that climate change is making the impacts from naturally occurring events, like atmospheric rivers, more intense, with more extreme precipitation events expected in the future. The El Niño pattern currently in place is favoring multiple rounds of heavy rain and an overall period of unsettled, rainy weather, exacerbating the situation.

environment2 years ago

"Colorado Mountains Face Snow Shortage Amidst Hopes for Weekend Storm Relief"

The Mountain West is experiencing a significant snow drought, with many areas having less than a third of the snow they typically would in January. This is due to warmer temperatures and a lack of moisture-rich storms, possibly influenced by El Niño. Snow water equivalent (SWE) levels are critically low across various regions, impacting winter sports and water resources. Despite entering a colder pattern, the West needs a change in the weather pattern to recover from the deficit. Climate experts warn that such snowless years could become more common due to global warming, with a dramatic decline in mountain snow since the 1950s.

environment-and-climate-change2 years ago

"California Coast Battered by Massive Waves, Pier Damage and Campsite Chaos"

California is facing the return of large waves up to 16 feet due to a strong El Niño pattern, with climate change exacerbating the frequency and impact of these events. Researchers warn of increased coastal flooding and erosion as sea levels rise, with the current El Niño offering a glimpse into more extreme conditions expected in the future. The West Coast has already seen a 10-inch rise in sea levels over the past century, and this trend is accelerating, leading to more significant coastal impacts during high tide and storm events. The situation highlights the vulnerability of coastal developments and the need for increased resilience against the effects of climate change.

weather2 years ago

"Snowfall Predictions for Central Ohio, Cincinnati, and Chicago's Upcoming Winter Storms"

Columbus, Ohio, has experienced a mild winter with minimal snowfall due to an El Niño pattern. A weather system is expected to bring light snow accumulations of less than an inch in central Ohio on Saturday morning, with slightly higher amounts in southern counties. The system will move towards the Mid-Atlantic, potentially causing heavier snowfall there. Another system will follow on Sunday with light snow, and a more potent storm is forecasted for Monday night into Tuesday, bringing snow that will change to rain with rising temperatures and strong winds.

environment-and-climate-change2 years ago

"2023 Marks Record-Breaking Heat Across U.S. Cities and Beyond"

In 2023, numerous U.S. cities experienced their hottest year on record, with significant representation from Texas and Florida, as well as cities in the Northeast and along the Gulf Coast. December ended the year with exceptional warmth, particularly in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, leading to the lowest ice coverage in at least 50 years. The year's warmth contributed to historically low snowfall in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with several cities setting records for the least snow. The combination of a strong El Niño and human-caused climate change is largely to blame for the increased temperatures, which also exacerbated the summer fire season in Canada.

environment2 years ago

"California's Sierra Nevada Faces Historic Snowpack Shortfall Amid El Niño Season"

California is experiencing a "snow drought" despite recent storms, with the Sierra Nevada snowpack at record low levels for early January. The lack of snow is concerning due to its impact on the state's water supply, which relies on snowmelt for nearly a third of its water. Recent precipitation has fallen as rain rather than snow due to warmer conditions, potentially influenced by El Niño and climate change. While major reservoirs have seen some replenishment, the snowpack is only at 25% of the average for the date. Upcoming colder storms may improve the situation, but overall snowpack levels are expected to remain below average. State officials are preparing for various scenarios, including potential extreme weather events.

local-news2 years ago

"East Coast Braces for Weekend Snowstorm: Forecasts for NYC to Maryland"

New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Long Island are anticipating a significant winter storm this weekend, potentially ending a record-breaking snow drought. The year 2023 was the warmest and one of the wettest on record, with minimal snowfall. Forecast models suggest varying snow amounts, but many areas could see more snow this weekend than the entirety of last winter. The European and GFS models predict plowable snow, with potential totals of over a half-foot in some areas. Long-range forecasts indicate a pattern change that could bring more snowstorms.

local-news2 years ago

"Potential Snowstorm Threatens Eastern U.S. From Boston to D.C. This Weekend"

Boston and the New England region are preparing for the first significant nor'easter of the year, which could bring plowable snowfall, strong winds, and minor coastal flooding over the weekend. The storm's impact will depend on its track, with most models suggesting a path just south of New England. While it's too early for precise snowfall predictions, residents are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions and stay tuned for updates from the WBZ-TV NEXT Weather Team.

weather2 years ago

"Michigan Anticipates Dynamic Weather Shifts as 2024 Begins with Wintry Mix"

Michigan is expected to experience a shift in weather patterns that could bring more moisture-laden storm systems, resembling a winter pattern. This change won't be abrupt but will evolve over the next week, leading to cooler temperatures in the upper-20s and lower-30s and potentially more snowfall. The pattern is influenced by El Niño, which typically brings warmer weather, but the upcoming systems will likely result in a "juicier" flow from the southwest, increasing the chance of precipitation in Michigan.

environment-and-climate-change2 years ago

"Predictions and Records: Navigating a Warming Planet's Extreme Weather in 2024"

Climate scientists predict that 2024 could bring even higher global temperatures following a record-warm 2023, driven by the heat from the oceans and a strong El Niño event. The current El Niño, which typically raises global temperatures, could peak soon and contribute to a surge in warmth in the first half of 2024. This could potentially push average planetary temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels for the first time on an annual basis. The long-term warming trend is primarily attributed to human-caused climate change, with the last eight years being the hottest on record. The persistence of El Niño's warmth in the Pacific is expected to heavily influence global temperatures and weather patterns, despite the uncertainty of climate predictions in the changing climate landscape.

weather2 years ago

"Northeast Ohio Braces for Extended Winter with Increased Snowfall and Lake Effect Flurries"

Columbus, Ohio, experienced a light snowfall on New Year's Eve, ending a two-week snow drought. The warmer-than-average winter, influenced by a strong El Niño pattern, has disrupted typical snow activities and led to record low snow coverage in the U.S. on Christmas Day. However, weather patterns indicate that more frequent cold air surges and potential snowstorms may occur in the coming weeks, with a chance of colder air from the polar vortex affecting the Midwest later in January or early February.

weather2 years ago

"Northeast Braces for Potent Winter Storm Bringing Snow and Ice This Weekend"

The D.C. area is bracing for a potential winter storm this weekend, with meteorologists citing favorable conditions for snowfall, particularly north and west of D.C. The National Weather Service has indicated an enhanced winter storm threat, which could lead to significant travel impacts and closures. Residents are advised to prepare for possible treacherous driving conditions and to stay informed as the forecast develops. The storm coincides with the 28th anniversary of the Blizzard of '96 and comes during a winter expected to be highly active due to a strong El Niño pattern.

environment-and-climate-change2 years ago

"2023: A Record-Breaking Hot Year with Forecasts of Rising Global Temperatures"

The year 2023 has been declared the warmest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2016, with global temperatures well above 1 degree Celsius higher than average. This unprecedented heat has been attributed to a strong El Niño weather pattern and other climate factors, leading to severe droughts, catastrophic wildfires, and historically poor air quality in various regions. The U.S. experienced extreme heat waves but did not break its all-time temperature record due to a cooler start to the year. Additionally, both the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extents reached record lows, contributing to further global warming.

environment-and-climate-change2 years ago

"2023: A Year of Unprecedented Heat and a Stark Warning for Climate Action"

Earth has experienced its hottest year on record in 2023, potentially the warmest in the last 125,000 years, with scientists confirming the trend even before December's data was finalized. The year surpassed previous records, with a global surface temperature 2.07 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average. This warming is attributed to a combination of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, natural cycles, and a developing El Niño. Experts warn that the upward trend in global temperatures is expected to continue, with significant efforts needed to reduce emissions to avoid catastrophic climate consequences.