El Niño phenomenon impacts Earth's rotation and flood risks

The intensification of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean is influencing global wind patterns and Earth's rotational speed. Changes in wind distribution, including the weakening of trade winds and increased westerly winds away from the equator, cause a redistribution of atmospheric energy. To maintain equilibrium between the planet and its atmosphere, Earth's rotation slows slightly. According to NOAA, this change can last about 1 millisecond during peak El Niño periods—a duration measurable by atomic clocks and satellite systems but imperceptible to humans.

Additionally, rising ocean temperatures driven by climate change and El Niño are increasing the risk of extreme weather. Research analyzing the South China Sea from 1998 to 2023 shows that marine heatwaves, when combined with strong low-level atmospheric currents, significantly boost precipitation. While strong winds alone can increase coastal rainfall by 21 percent above average, the combination of intense wind and marine heatwaves can increase rainfall by nearly 52 percent, heightening the probability of severe flooding.