World headed for an El Nino and it could be a big one, scientists say

The world is headed into an El Nino event – potentially a big one – which will lift global temperatures and likely exacerbate bushfires and drought in eastern Australia, climate specialists say.

Fairfax Media understands that Australia's Bureau of Meteorology will announce next Tuesday that the El Nino event is all but certain.

EFFECTS OF EL NINO
Rainfall
Eastern Australian rainfall is typically below average, particularly in winter and spring, the key agricultural seasons. During 12 strong El Nino events analysed by the Bureau of Meteorology, the biggest departures from long-term average rains were in most of inland NSW and parts of southern Queensland.

Drought, frost, snow
Relatively clear skies mean areas already dry – such as western Victoria and inland parts of NSW and Queensland – may not get much near-term relief, while others may be declared drought-hit. With diminished cloud cover, frosts can also be bad.

Heatwave and bushfires
With dry soils, evaporation is reduced, leading to potentially hot summers. Warm, dry springs make for worse bushfire seasons than usual.

Shifting weather
El Nino years are also disruptive to our neighbours, with increased chance of forest fires and drought in South-East Asia and a reduced monsoon in south Asia. Across the Pacific, the reverse is true, with above-average rainfall.

Global temperatures
El Nino conditions mean the Pacific absorbs less heat from the atmosphere and can even give some back. Global temperatures typically get a 0.1-0.2 degree kick in such years, meaning 2015 and 2016 are shaping up to exceed the warmest year on record, set only last year.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/world-headed-for-an-el-nino-...
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So, let's wait & see!