According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the 2023-24 El Nino phenomenon, experienced globally, is one of the five strongest on record.
El Nino is the warmer phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon. It occurs on average every two to seven years and persists for about nine to 12 months.
It is associated with warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, affecting weather and storm patterns in various parts of the world.
The seasonal climate pattern usually has higher influence on the global climate during the second year of its development — in this instance 2024.
An El Nino usually causes increased rainfall and floods in the Horn of Africa and southern parts of the United States and dry and warm conditions in Southeast Asia, Australia and South Africa.