VOA科学技术2023--Experts Say El Niño Event Could Dry Asia, Increase Rain in US

Experts Say El Niño Event Could Dry Asia, Increase Rain in US

Some weather experts are predicting hot, dry weather in Asia, while the United States is expected to receive heavier rainfall.

The predictions are linked to the effects of a warm Pacific Ocean current known as El Nino that is expected to develop in the coming months.

El Nino is a warming of surface water temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. The event usually causes hot, dry weather in Asia and Australia. It can also lead to heavier rain in the southern U.S. and southern parts of South America.

Weather experts say El Nino is likely to reduce wheat production in Australia. The country is one of the world's largest wheat exporters. El Nino is also expected to hurt palm oil and rice production in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

"We are looking at longer term dryness in Australia from now until at least August," said Chris Hyde. He is a meteorologist at U.S.-based technology company Maxar. "The seasonal¹ outlook in India is a weaker than normal monsoon² for the entire country, extending into Pakistan," Hyde said.

Lower Asian production of grains and oilseeds linked to El Nino is expected to increase concerns about rising food prices for some of the world's most vulnerable³ people, Reuters news agency reported. Even if the event increases crop production in the Americas, effects in Asia might be felt in the world food markets.

Wheat prices recently dropped to their lowest levels in two-and-a-half years. Corn and soybean prices have also eased since 2022. That is when the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 affected⁴ world supplies.

The start across South Asia of seasonal rains, known as monsoons⁵, is likely to be delayed somewhat this year, weather experts told Reuters. El Nino could also affect rice and oilseed production.

O.P. Sreejith is a scientist with the India Meteorological Department. He told Reuters that El Nino could develop during July and continue into the second half of the season. However, Sreejith said India could get lucky with a weak El Nino, as higher sea-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean and southwesterly winds could bring more rains.

Dry conditions in the United States and Argentina have reduced wheat and soybean crops this year. Heavier rain in the second part of the season could be good for crops. But some experts noted⁶ that results will depend on the timing⁷ of El Nino.

Meteorologists are divided over how soon the ocean currents will change to El Nino and how this will affect U.S. weather. But the change should be complete during the important growing period for corn and soybeans.

"I think the growing conditions are going to be pretty good," said David Tolleris, president of weather prediction service WxRisk.

El Nino is likely to help increase soil moisture in the U.S. Plains – an area stretching through the middle of the country. This could mark the beginning of a much-improved winter wheat harvest in 2024, weather experts said.

Words in This Story

meteorologist – n. someone who studies weather, especially to provide predictions

vulnerable – adj. easy to hurt or attack physically⁸ or emotionally

 

moisture – n. small drops of water existing in the air or on the surface

1 seasonal   

adj.季节的，季节性的

参考例句：

• The town relies on the seasonal tourist industry for jobs.这个城镇依靠季节性旅游业提供就业机会。
• The hors d'oeuvre is seasonal vegetables.餐前小吃是应时蔬菜。

2 monsoon   

n.季雨，季风，大雨

参考例句：

• The monsoon rains started early this year.今年季雨降雨开始得早。
• The main climate type in that region is monsoon.那个地区主要以季风气候为主要气候类型。

3 vulnerable   

adj.易受伤的，脆弱的，易受攻击的

参考例句：

• He volunteered to protect her as she looked so vulnerable.她看上去很脆弱，他就主动去保护她。
• The company is in an economically vulnerable position.该公司目前经济状况不稳定。

4 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

5 monsoons   

n.（南亚、尤指印度洋的）季风( monsoon的名词复数 )；（与季风相伴的）雨季；（南亚地区的）雨季

参考例句：

• In Ban-gladesh, the monsoons have started. 在孟加拉，雨季已经开始了。 来自辞典例句
• The coastline significantly influences the monsoons in two other respects. 海岸线在另外两个方面大大地影响季风。 来自辞典例句

6 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

7 timing   

n.时间安排，时间选择

参考例句：

• The timing of the meeting is not convenient.会议的时间安排不合适。
• The timing of our statement is very opportune.我们发表声明选择的时机很恰当。

8 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。