The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that 2024 could become the hottest year ever recorded. This trend stems from the diminishing cooling effect of the La Niña phenomenon.
La Niña, a climate event, cools sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It also impacts global weather patterns, influencing wind shifts, rainfall variations, and atmospheric pressure.
Hottest Day ever as per WMO
According to the WMO report released today in Geneva, La Niña conditions could develop within the next three months. Prediction centers estimate a 55% chance of transitioning from neutral to La Niña between December 2024 and February 2025. The likelihood of neutral conditions returning rises to 55% from February to April 2025.
El Niño, La Niña’s counterpart, warms sea surfaces and reduces cold water upwelling near South America. These changes lead to higher Pacific temperatures and globally warmer atmospheric conditions.
The report highlights that La Niña’s cooling effects unfold against the backdrop of human-induced climate change. This overarching factor amplifies global temperatures, intensifies extreme weather, and disrupts seasonal patterns.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that greenhouse gases remain the primary driver of global warming. Even if La Niña develops, its cooling influence cannot offset heat trapped by greenhouse emissions.
“Since May, despite neutral conditions, we have seen unprecedented extreme weather, including record-breaking rainfall and flooding,” Saulo said. She emphasized that such events are becoming the new normal in a warming world.
The WMO stressed the critical role of seasonal forecasts for El Niño and La Niña. These predictions aid in early warnings and proactive measures to mitigate climate impacts.
Increased Temperature
Sea surface temperatures are expected to remain above average across most ocean basins. However, weak La Niña conditions may develop in the eastern equatorial Pacific. As a result, land temperatures are projected to stay above average, solidifying 2024’s record-breaking heat.
