The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration raises the chance that the El Niño that formed last month will be "very strong," now estimating an 81% probability and saying it will likely persist through early spring.Forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center report Pacific sea surface temperatures near record highs and say human-driven warming is amplifying the natural cycle, increasing the event's potential intensity.Scientists including Tércio Ambrizzi, Michelle L'Heureux, Emily Becker, Daniel Swain and Zack Labe warn the pattern tends to bring heavier winter rain to the US South, warmer winters in northern US and Canada, and reduced Atlantic hurricane activity.Researchers note comparisons to the 1997-1998 and 1982-83 El Niño events and urge governments, utilities and farmers from
Brazil to Southeast Asia to prepare for heightened heat, drought, floods and coastal flooding risks.