01 Jan 2018 | 05:14 AM UTC
Colombia: La Niña to return between January and March 2018
La Niña weather phenomenon to return to Colombia between January and March 2018; severe weather and consequent transportation disruptions expected in the coming months
Event
On Wednesday, December 27, the Attorney General of Colombia requested that local authorities in the country institute measures to mitigate the forecast effects of the impending La Niña weather phenomenon. La Niña is expected to affect the country between January and March 2018; among the areas forecast to be most acutely affected by La Niña include the Pacific, Caribbean, and Andean regions of the country. The risks of consequent flooding, landslides, and avalanches is expected to be highest in the abovementioned regions. Though the Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has forecasted the upcoming La Niña to be weaker than in 2010 and 2011, associated severe weather events and consequent transportation disruptions are expected in the coming months in Colombia.
Context
La Niña is a periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures that occurs every three to five years in the equatorial region of central and east-central zones of the Pacific Ocean. During the phenomenon, ocean temperatures are typically 3 to 5°C (5.5 to 9°F) lower than normal. La Niña is part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural global climate cycle. ENSO has two phases: the warm phase (El Niño) and the cold phase (La Niña).
In 2010, La Niña destroyed over three million homes in Colombia through flooding and mudslides.
Advice
Individuals in Colombia are advised to monitor local weather forecasts.
In the event of flooding, follow all instructions as issued by local authorities and be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
