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Africa facing $10-$20 billion economic hit from 'super' El Niño, AfDB climate chief warns

Africa facing $10-$20 billion economic hit from 'super' El Niño, AfDB climate chief warns

By Simon Jessop and Marc Jones LONDON, July 26 (Reuters) - An impending "super" El Niño is likely to inflict a combined $10 billion to $20 billion hit on affected African countries and trigger mass migration from hard-hit areas, the African Development Bank's top climate expert told Reuters.
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African Development Bank Warns of Economic Impact from Powerful El Niño on Somalia and Other Nations

African Development Bank Warns of Economic Impact from Powerful El Niño on Somalia and Other Nations

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has issued a warning regarding the potential economic and humanitarian impacts of an unusually strong El Niño weather event on African nations, including Somalia. This climatic phenomenon is expected to cause significant disruptions, leading to a potential economic loss of $10 to $20 billion across the continent. The AfDB's Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, Anthony Nyong, highlighted that affected countries could see a reduction in GDP by 1-2% due to the adverse effects on agriculture, infrastructure, and government finances. The event is anticipated to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, particularly in countries like Somalia, which are already facing challenges such as food insecurity and resource competition.
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El Niño Phenomenon Predicted to Intensify, Impacting Global Weather Patterns

El Niño Phenomenon Predicted to Intensify, Impacting Global Weather Patterns

The El Niño weather phenomenon, currently developing in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to become one of the strongest on record, according to climate researchers. This event is anticipated to cause significant temperature increases, leading to severe droughts in Southern Africa and heavy rains and flooding in Eastern Africa. The African Development Bank has highlighted the potential for massive agricultural disruptions, particularly in countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, where maize prices could double, leading to food insecurity and mass migration. The phenomenon is also expected to exacerbate existing drought conditions in the United States, potentially leading to a 'mini Dust Bowl' scenario.
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Scientists Alarmed by Intensifying El Niño and Its Global Implications

Scientists Alarmed by Intensifying El Niño and Its Global Implications

A potentially record-breaking El Niño is developing in the Pacific Ocean, causing concern among scientists due to its potential impact on global weather patterns. El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures, is expected to influence weather conditions worldwide. This event is predicted to be one of the strongest on record, with sea surface temperatures already exceeding previous highs. The phenomenon is likely to exacerbate existing climate change effects, leading to increased global temperatures and extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
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El Niño's Intensifying Impact Raises Global Climate Concerns

El Niño's Intensifying Impact Raises Global Climate Concerns

The current El Niño event is setting unprecedented records for sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, with scientists predicting it could become the strongest on record. This natural climate pattern, which involves the warming of seawater, is expected to significantly influence global weather patterns over the next 12 to 18 months. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that water temperatures in the El Niño region have reached unprecedented levels for July. The phenomenon is anticipated to exacerbate global temperatures, potentially making 2026 the warmest year on record. The event is already affecting the U.S., with unusual heat and humidity in California and a suppression of Atlantic hurricane activity.
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Jamaican Egg Farmers Face Financial Losses Due to Heat Stress on Chickens

Jamaican Egg Farmers Face Financial Losses Due to Heat Stress on Chickens

Jamaican egg farmers are experiencing significant financial losses as heat stress leads to increased chicken mortality and reduced egg production. According to Mark Campbell, president of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, approximately 1,200 chickens have died, resulting in a potential loss of 3,600 boxes of eggs, equating to $18 million in revenue. Farmers are incurring additional costs to mitigate the heat's impact, such as installing sprinklers and purchasing anti-heat medication. The industry has also been affected by recent hurricanes, compounding the challenges faced by farmers.
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Emerging markets stare at inflation risks as powerful El Niño looms

Emerging markets stare at inflation risks as powerful El Niño looms

By Siddarth S and Johann M Cherian July 27 (Reuters) - Emerging economies already strained by the Middle East conflict face a new threat: a potentially powerful El Niño that could push up food prices and slow growth. The U.S.
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El Niño's Delayed Relief for U.S. Wildfires Raises Concerns

El Niño's Delayed Relief for U.S. Wildfires Raises Concerns

As wildfires continue to affect Canada and the American West, the formation of a strong El Niño in the Pacific Ocean offers potential relief, but not until next year. El Niño typically brings wetter conditions to the Southern U.S., which can help reduce wildfire risks by keeping vegetation moist. However, the current El Niño's effects are not expected to be felt until the fall, winter, and spring seasons, which often lead to milder wildfire seasons the following summer. Meanwhile, the Western U.S. is still dealing with the aftermath of a hot winter and low snowpack, partly due to the recent La Niña, which brought drier conditions to the region.
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Famine Early Warning Systems Network Projects 16 Million Nigerians to Face Acute Hunger by 2027

Famine Early Warning Systems Network Projects 16 Million Nigerians to Face Acute Hunger by 2027

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has projected that by January 2027, between 16.0 million and 16.99 million Nigerians will face acute hunger. This projection is part of a broader report highlighting the deepening hunger crisis in conflict and climate-affected regions, including Nigeria. The report places Nigeria fourth globally in terms of the number of people facing hunger, following Sudan, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The crisis in Nigeria is primarily driven by conflict, economic hardship, and adverse weather conditions, which disrupt livelihoods and restrict agricultural activities. Despite an expected main harvest in December, staple food prices are anticipated to remain high due to production and supply disruptions.
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World Meteorological Organization Warns of Potential Catastrophic Flooding in Somalia

World Meteorological Organization Warns of Potential Catastrophic Flooding in Somalia

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a warning about the increased risk of extreme rainfall in Somalia during October, which could result in catastrophic flooding. This warning comes as the region is still recovering from a severe drought that has left 6 million people facing acute food insecurity. The potential flooding could displace thousands of people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area. The situation is compounded by the UK's decision to significantly reduce bilateral aid to Somalia by 2029, which could limit the resources available to address such emergencies.
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Record Ocean Temperatures Highlight Intensifying El Niño and Climate Change

Record Ocean Temperatures Highlight Intensifying El Niño and Climate Change

Global sea-surface temperatures have reached record highs for 50 consecutive days, driven by a rapidly strengthening El Niño and long-term climate change. The average sea-surface temperatures have remained above previous records, with the Niño 3.4 region in the central Pacific experiencing unprecedented warming. This trend is expected to continue, with 2026 likely to become the second-warmest year on record globally. The warming oceans are contributing to more intense tropical cyclones, increased atmospheric moisture, and extreme weather events worldwide.
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Southern California Faces Unusually Humid Summer Due to Weather Patterns

Southern California Faces Unusually Humid Summer Due to Weather Patterns

Southern California is experiencing an unusually humid summer, attributed to a combination of persistent high pressure, warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures, and increased tropical moisture. Meteorologists, including Daniel Swain from UCLA, suggest that such conditions may become more frequent as the climate continues to warm. The region's typical dry heat has been replaced by heavier air and warmer nights, making even moderate temperatures feel uncomfortable. The high-pressure system over the South-Central United States has contributed to the influx of warmer and more humid air into the area. Additionally, the Pacific Ocean's warmer temperatures have weakened the natural cooling effect of the marine layer, further intensifying the humidity.