El Nino breaks Pacific temperature record in September
The EU Copernicus climate service reported that sea surface temperatures in a key Pacific zone reached a record high of 29.70C in September.
Record heat in monitoring zone
Forecasters expect the weather pattern to become the strongest ever recorded this year before its expected peak later in the year. This latest record tumbled even before the episode reached its maximum intensity according to global warnings issued for months.
Comparison with past events
The current temperatures exceeded the peak levels of previously strong El Nino events from 1982, 1997 and 2015. The EU monitor stated that this data underscores the exceptional intensity of the current weather pattern.
Uncertainty about strongest status
Copernicus noted in a statement to AFP that it cannot yet say the current El Nino is the strongest ever recorded. Climate change raises ocean temperatures which can make recent events appear stronger than past ones when comparing historical data.
2 outlets, different leads
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France 24
El Nino breaks Pacific temperature record as weather pattern intensifies
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Phys.org
El Niño sets temperature record in key Pacific zone: EU monitor
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.