El Nino comparison 1997 20151

El Niño was first identified in the 19th century when unusually high Pacific Ocean temperatures made fishing scarce and intense rainfall led to major coastal flooding near regions of Peru and Ecuador.

 

El Niño is now present in the tropical Pacific Ocean and continuing to strengthen.  Currently, El Niño is the largest it has been since 1998.  If predictions are correct and water temperatures exceed 2°C above average, it will place 2015/2016 El Niño amongst the strongest since 1950.

 

According to an article by Michelle L. Heureux a NOAA CPC, predictions of above average precipitation has increased from 33% to 60%.  National Weather Services is predicting that there is a 90% chance that El Niño will last well into the winter.

 

So why all the fuss about El Niño?  Well… El Niño is the warm weather phase of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and ENSO is the single most influential climate phenomena.  ENSO has the ability to impact precipitation and temperatures across the globe.

El Nino comparison (1997-2015)

The atmospheric anomalies provide evidence that El Niño is strengthening and will continue to develop.  The strongest El Niño’s of past years have had very consistent patterns.

 

Weakened trade winds, increased Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) and migrating ocean life are all indicating that another Super El Niño is in store for us this winter.

 

California is predicted to be one of the most impacted states of this year’s El Niño.  The good news is we can certainly use the rain!  According to USA Today, California is currently in its third consecutive year of the most historical drought in over 100 years.  This may just be what California needs to bring the drought to a halt.

 

Get your properties ready, the signs are here!  Already California city councils are beginning to host seminars on how to prevent and prepare for natural disasters.   Many California property owners are already having trouble even getting an appointment with a reputable roofing contractor as many are already booked well into next year.

 

Got a roof problem?  We can help you solve it!  Reach out to the professionals for support with your roofing and waterproofing needs at 877-823-7873.  Not a talker?  Look around online at www.surecoatsystems.com for solutions and project profiles.