The strongest seasonally varying ocean-atmosphere signal is known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal, and it is notorious for its ability to impact global weather. El Niño has historically been associated with record heat temperatures and droughts in summer rainfall regions of southern Africa.

Researchers in South Africa and across the globe have indicated that through regular monitoring of the ENSO system, there is an emergence of tell-tale signs that a strong El Niño is developing in 2023 and this could lead to relatively increased warmer temperatures and lower rainfall this coming summer.

On Monday, 19 June 2023, South African climate change experts, led by Extreme Climate Events Research Alliance, a platform for the research community, will host the El Niño 2023 Summit to share information on this pending climate anomaly with the general public and industries, businesses, government departments and other stakeholders who will most likely be impacted by El Niño.

The summit is scheduled to take place at the University of Pretoria and will be attended by leading climate experts who will share information about past El Niños and the potential implications an El Niño could have on agriculture, food security and associated economic impacts. They will also discuss appropriate plans, including measures to put in place, and options to adapt to unusual weather patterns.

RSVP: CSIR Media Relations Intern, Phetolo Phatsibi: pphatsibi@csir.co.za

Please register here: El Nino 2023 Summit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeteUFvMrp_qgeId80zbeOkignvYuqTeLKfLie_rzeQfU3Mw/viewform

Link for online attendance: 

https://access-ac-za.zoom.us/j/8728814812?pwd=Tkp3bFg1TnJaYUJCWnZiak0vNGVzZz09   

Meeting ID: 872 881 4812    Passcode: HPW2021