El Niño triggers extreme weather across South and Central America

El Niño climate phenomenon agricultural impact extreme weather rainfall patterns

The El Niño phenomenon is exerting significant and divergent impacts across South and Central America, affecting agriculture, water security, and infrastructure.

In Argentina, the phenomenon is expected to bring record rainfall, particularly in the Litoral and Buenos Aires regions. Projections from the Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario suggest rainfall could be up to 90% above normal in December. This increase in moisture threatens to shorten planting and harvesting windows, prompting producers to adjust planting dates to mitigate risks.

Conversely, Honduras is facing a severe drought crisis. In the municipality of Morocelí, producers have reported a 100% loss of basic grain crops. The drought has also led to critical water shortages in schools, prompting the Ministry of Education to consider a return to virtual classes to prevent disease outbreaks. Experts in Honduras are recommending the use of drought-resistant crops like beans and sesame.

In Brazil, the impact is also split: torrential rains and flooding are affecting southern states like Rio Grande do Sul, while the northern and northeastern regions face severe water shortages and heatwaves. Meanwhile, in Chile, models predict a warmer spring with increased precipitation across various regions due to the intensification of the phenomenon.

Entities

Argentina · Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario · Brazil · Copeco · El Niño · Embrapa · Honduras · Melvin Matamoros · Secretaría de Educación · United Nations

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Increased rainfall may raise the risk of flooding and rising river levels in the Litoral and NEA regions. exclusiva.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] The El Niño phenomenon is caused by equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures rising above normal values. radiodelguaran.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] El Niño could lead to rainfall levels above normal in Buenos Aires and the Litoral region during spring and early summer. radiodelguaran.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Provinces including Misiones, Corrientes, Chaco, Formosa, Entre Ríos, and Santa Fe may experience above-average rainfall. exclusiva.com.ar
[DISPUTED] Seventy-five municipalities in Honduras are under red alert due to unprecedented drought. www.tunota.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Producers in Morocelí, Honduras, have lost 100% of their basic grain crops due to intense drought. extradigital.hn
[○ 1 SOURCE] Climate models suggest rainfall could be 30% higher in October, 70% higher in November, and 90% higher in December. www.elmonterizo.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] El Niño is causing torrential rains in southern Brazil and severe water shortages in the north and northeast. www.surenio.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Argentine producers are adjusting planting dates to mitigate the impact of increased rainfall. ruralnet.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Experts recommend Honduran farmers use climate-resistant seeds and crops with lower water demands like beans and sesame. www.metro.hn
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Pacific Ocean shows a temperature anomaly of 1.8 degrees, indicating a strong El Niño. www.elmonterizo.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The BCR projects rainfall in Argentina's core region could be up to 90% above normal in December. www.elmonterizo.com