An intensifying El Nino is heading to historically strong levels. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
In its monthly update released Thursday, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said this year's El Nino has an 81% chance of becoming "very strong" — the top category — by fall. This natural warming of the equatorial Pacific alters weather patterns across the globe.
NOAA said it should rank among the most intense El Ninos since the agency started tracking them in 1950. Its biggest impacts — from droughts to downpours to heat waves — are likely to be most felt in the fall and winter.
This El Nino, which formed only last month, already zipped past the weak stage and is now considered moderate with no indications of slowing its strengthening. Ocean temperatures in key parts of the Pacific that help indicate El Nino's strength are at or near record highs.
Experts say this could lead to a rainier winter than usual for the southern United States. Meanwhile, a hot air mass is spreading across the eastern U.S., threatening to shatter record highs.