The climatic phenomenon known as El Niño is causing concern among meteorologists, who warn about its potential impact on the Andes Mountain Range. This event can cause significant variations in the atmospheric conditions of the region, altering the patterns of precipitation, temperatures, and snowfall. Consequently, the likelihood of extreme weather events occurring in various areas of South America increases.
Impact of El Niño on the Andes Mountain Range
In certain Andean basins, a recovery of accumulated snow, essential for water supply during the warmer months, could be observed. However, the combination of heavy rains on the existing snow could accelerate melting and increase the risk of flooding, specialists warned.
Throughout the Andean region in Argentina and Chile, El Niño is expected to generate an increase in precipitation compared to years influenced by La Niña. However, the effects will not be homogeneous across the entire region, according to experts.
In the central sector of the Andes, especially between Chile and western Argentina, El Niño is commonly linked to an increase in precipitation during winter and spring. This could lead to greater snow accumulation in the mountains, contributing to the filling of reservoirs and improving the availability of water for domestic, agricultural, and hydroelectric generation use.
On the other hand, the increase in rainfall could also raise the risk of landslides, avalanches, and river flooding, especially if the precipitation is intense and concentrated in short periods.
Specialist Wilfran Moufouma Okia, head of the Climate Prediction Services Division of the WMO, explained that while seasonal forecasts can anticipate general trends, they do not provide precise details about climate behavior in specific locations.
Monitoring the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is crucial to foresee climatic scenarios months in advance. This is vital for sectors such as agriculture, water management, and civil protection, providing them with key information for decision-making.
The Secretary-General of the WMO, Celeste Saulo, has highlighted that global warming is intensifying the impacts of natural climatic phenomena like El Niño. This warming can exacerbate extreme events, including torrential rains, floods, and heatwaves.
In summary, although El Niño is a natural phenomenon, its interaction with climate change can intensify its effects, underscoring the importance of constant monitoring and proper use of available climate information.
