The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has firmed up its forecast for a return of El Niño this summer, increasing the risk of record-breaking heat and extreme weather events starting in June and lasting until at least November.
Such is the threatened power of this weather pattern, it’s been called a super El Niño.
What happens when temperatures soar and the heat is simply too much, impacting our health and ability to go about our daily lives? And what about flooding? And wildfires?
That’s the sort of temperature level promised by El Niño. So what will it mean for Ireland?
Why, in a country where weather is the number one topic of conversation, are we so poorly prepared for extremes?
Caroline O’Doherty is the Climate and Science Correspondent with The Irish Times and she explains why a rise in sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific this summer could have such a massive impact on Irish weather.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
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