Credited from: THEJAKARTAPOST
The United Nations has issued a warning that while the cooling La Niña phenomenon is expected to make a return between September and November, global temperatures are still predicted to remain above average. This information is based on the latest updates from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which highlights a 55% probability of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific cooling to La Niña levels during this time period, increasing to 60% from October to December 2025, according to thejakartapost and dawn.
Despite La Niña's natural cooling effects, the WMO cautions that this will not counteract the trend of rising temperatures caused by human-induced climate change. About 90% of excess heat from global warming is stored in the ocean, making ocean heat content a vital indicator. The WMO stresses the significance of these phenomena, saying they must be considered in the context of broader climate changes that are further exacerbating extreme weather patterns, as reported by africanews.
The WMO's head of climate prediction, Wilfran Moufouma Okia, notes that while La Niña can cause substantial shifts in wind and rainfall patterns, it is too early to predict the strength of the upcoming event. This uncertainty underlines the complexity of climate systems and the need for continuous monitoring, as stated in both africanews and dawn.
The WMO's forecasts are not only critical for understanding climate trends but are also essential for planning in sectors such as agriculture, health, and energy. These forecasts can save thousands of lives and millions of dollars if effectively utilized for preparedness and response actions, emphasizing the need for ongoing attention to these climatic shifts, as addressed by thejakartapost and africanews.