UN: El Niño will intensify, then peak in December

A worker inspects rain catchers at the Rafael Palma Elementary School in San Andres, Manila yesterday. Using rainwater catch- ment facilities is one of the government’s key strategies to combat severe drought and water shortages caused by El Niño.

Edd Gumban

GENEVA – El Niño will intensify even more before peaking in December, the United Nations said on Thursday, warning it could be among the strongest witnessed since at least 1950.

The naturally occurring weather phenomenon is set to bring higher temperatures to much of the planet, the UN’s weather and climate agency said, with its impact compounding the effects of man-made climate change.

“El Niño will continue to intensify ahead of its forecast peak in December,” the World Meteorological Organization said in its monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update.

“It is likely to bring above-average temperatures to much of the globe and shift rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of drought and floods in different regions,” it added.

The Philippines is strengthening the use of climate and rice data to help farmers make timely decisions on planting, irrigation, and drought preparedness as El Niño risks intensify.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration are working to translate weather forecasts and rice production data into practical information that farmers can use in managing crops. –  AFP