Scientists warn of potential for strong El Niño in Canada

 

 

Canadian scientists have warned that a stronger El Niño is likely due to global warming and climate change. This could lead to extreme heat and drought in many parts of Canada, especially in the western provinces. Experts estimate that next year will be warmer than 2024, which was recorded as the warmest winter in Canada's history.

El Niño is a natural weather phenomenon associated with warming waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. But global warming is doubling its impact. El Niño usually increases winter temperatures in Canada, especially in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. The El Niño that occurred in 2023-2024 caused snowmelt, the collapse of ski resorts, and a decrease in hydroelectric power generation in Canada. But the upcoming El Niño is likely to be one of the strongest on record, said Bill Merrifield, a scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The strong El Niño of 2015-2016 caused winter temperatures in Canada to rise by up to four degrees above normal. Similarly, the 1998 El Niño caused massive ice storms in Ontario and Quebec. The forecast says there is a 37 percent chance of a very strong El Niño between November and January.

While reduced snowfall in western Canada is affecting water supplies and skiing, drought in the prairie regions could hurt agriculture. But eastern Canada is a small relief that El Niño will help reduce the intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic. Although El Niño is a temporary phenomenon, scientists are warning that governments and people need to prepare for the coming severe climate changes.