Temperatures rising in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific, happening simultaneously, can inhibit the formation of rainfall over the Amazon Forest.

Rising temperatures in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, occurring simultaneously, are posing a serious threat to the Amazon rainforest. This dual oceanic phenomenon, observed in the North Tropical Atlantic just above the equator and in the Equatorial Pacific, driven in part by the current El Niño, has the potential to aggravate and extend drought conditions in the Amazon region.

Warmer ocean waters are intensifying updrafts, causing heated air to rise into the atmosphere, which then reaches the Amazon rainforest. This warmer air inhibits cloud formation, leading to reduced rainfall over the Amazon, a region already grappling with increased droughts in recent years. These prolonged droughts are not only contributing to an increase in fires, but also impacting critical aspects of life, including energy generation, navigability, and access to education and healthcare.

Forecasts indicate that El Niño is expected to persist through the summer, with below-average rainfall in the Amazon region until November. This prolonged dry season could further exacerbate the drought conditions, and it is not yet possible to predict how long the delay for the start of the rainy season will be.

Via MeteoRed