Syria is affected by the potential climatic impacts of the 'El Nino' phenomenon, which may reflect on rainfall patterns and temperatures, leaving effects on the rainy season, the agricultural sector, water resources, and food security. Changes associated with this phenomenon affect the movement of low-pressure systems and the distribution of rainfall in different regions of the world.
For his part, Mohammed Bashar Arabi, Director of Technical Affairs and Research at the National Center for Meteorology and Climate at the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, clarified that 'El Nino' represents a warm phase of the Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, arising as a result of rising surface water temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean above their natural rates. He pointed out that Syria may be affected by its repercussions indirectly, due to the changes it causes in atmospheric pressure patterns, low-pressure system tracks, and air currents.
Arabi added that the most prominent potential impacts involve changes in the amounts and temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall, including intermittent periods of rain drought or heavy rainfall during short time spans. He noted that these changes increase the likelihood of forming flash floods and local floods, especially in low-lying areas, valleys, and areas suffering from weak rainwater drainage networks.
Arabi emphasized that the agricultural sector, especially rain-fed crops such as wheat and barley, is among the most affected sectors by climatic fluctuations. He confirmed that monitoring the phenomenon and utilizing seasonal climate forecasts represent a fundamental pillar for planning, highlighting the importance of coordination between relevant authorities in meteorology, agriculture, water resources, and civil defense.
The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management participated via video conferencing on the first of the current month in the international briefing covering the latest forecasts related to the 'El Nino' phenomenon during the years 2026–2027, organized by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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