Global Temperatures Forecast to Rise Despite Potential La Niña Return, WMO Reports
Geneva, Switzerland - September 3, 2024 – The World Meteorological Association (WMO) issued its latest global Seasonal Climate update (GSCU) today, forecasting above-normal temperatures across vast regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres for the period of September through November.This prediction arrives alongside indications of a potential return of La Niña,a climate pattern typically associated with cooler global temperatures.
Despite the possible growth of La Niña conditions, the WMO assessment anticipates that global temperatures will remain elevated. The forecast suggests that much of the Northern Hemisphere, alongside extensive areas in the Southern Hemisphere, will experience warmer-than-average conditions. This warming trend occurs against a backdrop of record-breaking global temperatures in recent years, driven by long-term climate change and exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions. The WMO notes that rainfall patterns are expected to align with those commonly observed during a moderate La Niña event.
The GSCU provides crucial information for governments, policymakers, and vulnerable communities to prepare for potential climate impacts. La Niña’s influence typically includes changes in precipitation patterns, possibly leading to increased rainfall in some regions and drought in others. Understanding these regional variations is vital for effective disaster risk reduction and resource management. The WMO’s assessment highlights the complex interplay between large-scale climate patterns and the overarching trend of global warming, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and proactive adaptation strategies.
The latest update builds upon ongoing WMO efforts to deliver timely and accurate climate information, supporting informed decision-making worldwide. Further details on the GSCU and regional climate outlooks are available through the WMO website.
