UN Agency Predicts El Nino to Be Among Strongest Since 1950

The Geneva-based U.N. body says ocean and atmosphere conditions over the tropical Pacific, and most expert models and opinion point to a strengthening El Nino event in the second half of 2015.

WMO director of climate prediction Maxx Dilley says "we have a well-established El Nino event under way," and farmers, rescue officials and reservoir operators would be among officials bracing for its rise.

A WMO statement Tuesday said models indicate ocean temperatures in the east-central tropical Pacific are likely to reach peaks that could make this El Nino among the four strongest since 1950. Peak strength is expected between October and January.