El Niño phenomenon affecting South America in the last semester of 2018
Before the end of the year, there is a 70% chance that the El Niño weather phenomenon will happen again, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
According to the statistical analysis of the stations of the Meteorological Services of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela, there are more chances of heavy rain above normal, especially in October.
This is a naturally occurring phenomenon characterized by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperature in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. As a result of this warm pool of water, the atmosphere is heated and conditions favourable for precipitation occur there.
Agriculture is one of the main sectors of the economy that could be severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon. While drought is the main threat to food production, El Niño can also cause heavy rains, flooding or extremely hot or cold weather.
FAO has assisted countries in implementing long-term preventive measures against drought and flood-related events which now facilitate preparedness and response of countries affected by El Niño.
For more accurate, real time information, visit http://www.ciifen.org/ International Center for the Investigation of El Niño phenomenon