Volatile Climate Splits Weather Agencies on El Niño Messaging
An accurate read is essential for governments, energy markets and farmers, especially as global warming exacerbates extreme weather.
Flooding that affected the Rochester township in Australia in Jan. 2024.
Photographer: Diego Fedele/Getty Images
Predicting the onset and intensity of the weather-roiling El Niño and La Niña events is crucial for global markets, and meteorologists need to get the messaging right or risk sparking confusion and backlash.
Australia’s forecaster, which faced criticism last year after an unusual El Niño, is taking a less-is-more approach, while the World Meteorological Organization and the Philippines are fielding requests for more detailed and frequent information. The contrasting styles underscore the challenge for agencies seeking to balance demands for certainty against the volatility of weather.