Wayne Bennett’s Stern Warning: The Unchangeable Rule in State of Origin Amidst New Eligibility Overhaul

Wayne Bennett has thrown his support behind the recent changes to the State of Origin selection rules, while cautioning Australian rugby league officials to...
HomeAUExperts Caution Potential Impact of Emerging El Niño on Australia Later This...

Experts Caution Potential Impact of Emerging El Niño on Australia Later This Year

Share and Follow
Now that the La Niña season is officially over, experts believe that Australia could be in store for a an El Niño episode later in the year.
The Bureau of Meteorology said that while the Pacific Ocean is in a neutral state set to last until at least late autumn, there are “strong signs that El Niño could emerge later this year”.
“While sea surface temperatures are currently near average at the surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean, there is a large pool of abnormally warm water building beneath the surface,” the bureau said.
Clouds illuminated at sunrise over the Pacific Ocea,n viewed from the southern cliffs of Bondi Beach, Sydney on 4 March 2023. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Warm water from deep within the ocean is anticipated to rise to the surface in the coming months, heightening the probability of an El Niño event.

According to the bureau, the majority of global forecasting models predict that these conditions will materialize between late autumn and late winter, potentially extending into the latter half of the year.

While some models are even hinting at the possibility of a strong or super El Niño, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily equate to a stronger impact on Australia’s weather patterns.

An El Niño system forms when warmer-than-usual water is present at the surface of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, while cooler water remains at the surface in the western tropical Pacific.

The Bureau of Meteorology has said that Australia could be in store for an extra hot Summer.
The Bureau of Meteorology has said that Australia could be in store for an extra hot Summer. (Bureau of Meteorology)

These variations in water surface temperatures influence atmospheric wind and pressure patterns, leading to diminished cloud cover and reduced rainfall in certain regions of the country.

The forecast comes as the Bureau of Meteorology declared that the La Niña season ended on March 31.

The system began in spring last year and lasted six months, bringing above-average amounts of rain across large parts of Australia’s north and central regions.
The most recent La Niña did not bring wetter-than-usual weather to some parts of Australia.
The most recent La Niña did not bring wetter-than-usual weather to some parts of Australia. (Bureau of Meteorology)

Despite bringing flooding in multiple states, the Bureau of Meteorology described the most recent La Niña episode as “relatively weak” due to the lack of wet weather it brought to some parts of the country.

“This is a good reminder that no two La Niña events are the same and their impacts can vary considerably from one La Niña to the next.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Share and Follow