EL-Nino conditions have developed in the Pacific Ocean and are expected to influence weather and climate patterns across the country in the coming months, says National Weather Service director Jimmy Gomoga.
“The sea surface temperatures, atmospheric circulation patterns and international climate models guidance indicate that El Nino conditions are now established and are likely to persist until at least the end of the year,” he said.
“Based on current forecasts, provinces in the Highlands region, southern coastal regions and other drought-prone areas may experience reduced rainfall and increased moisture stress in the coming months.”
Gomoga added that forecasts were pointing towards a strong El Nino event based on the extent of warming in the
central tropical Pacific.
“Around half of the models indicate this event could peak at levels similar to 1997 and 1998 or 2015 and 2016,” he said.
Gomoga said these conditions could adversely affect water availability, food and agricultural production, public health and sanitation, hydropower generation and energy supply, transport and other critical services.
He urged national agencies, provincial governments, district authorities, development partners, and local communities to review preparedness arrangements and take early actions to minimise potential impacts.
Gomoga said recommended preparedness measures include:
- MONITORING local water supplies and promoting water conservation;
- SUPPORTING drought preparedness planning at provincial and district levels;
- ADVISING farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices;
- STRENGTHENING community awareness and preparedness activities; and,
- ENHANCING coordination among government agencies responsible for disaster risk management, agriculture, health, water and infrastructure.
“El Nino is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-average sea surface temperature in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean,” Gomoga said.
“Historically, El Nino events have been associated with prolonged dry condition, increased temperatures, frosts at higher altitudes, reduced stream flows and heightened drought risks across many parts of PNG,” he said.
