CA State of Emergency for El Niño

A weather anomaly known as El Niño is developing gradually in California. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, El Niño tends to recur every two to seven years and lasts between nine and twelve months.

As the anomaly intensified, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for California. CNN reported that El Niño has already raised sea levels, citing concerns about potential coastal flooding across California

The current El Niño cycle began in early June, pushing monthly temperatures 1.36℃ higher than historical averages. While the effects of El Niño are stronger in Southern California than in Northern California, both regions are preparing for heavier weather, according to KCRA TV.

The El Niño system is following a major drought, a “prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle,” as defined by the World Meteorological Organization. With the coming El Niño, The Sacramento Bee reports that this could trigger some of the most intense rainstorms recorded since 1950. In combination with weakened soil, mudslides could potentially occur across California.

El Niño has already affected the California coastlines through cliff collapses, beach erosion, and widespread flooding. These effects can potentially reshape the shorelines for years. Images published by the New York Post highlight these effects firsthand.

Image Courtesy of Wikitxiki5 on Wikimedia Commons.