‘La Niña’ Phenomenon Slowly Approaches Colombia

Colombia’s capital, Bogota, is grappling with dwindling water levels in its reservoirs, triggering an urgent call from government officials for the public to conserve water and electricity. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, alongside Mines and Energy Minister Andrés Camacho, announced that Colombia is on the cusp of experiencing the La Niña climate pattern. Expected to commence this month, La Niña brings a cooling of the Pacific Ocean waters, often leading to intense rainfall that heightens the risk of landslides.

The transition into the La Niña phase will be gradual, according to the ministers. The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has indicated that this weather pattern will predominantly impact the Andean, Caribbean, and Pacific regions, along with areas near the Eastern Plains’ foothills. Despite these changes, IDEAM forecasts normal weather conditions for the Orinoco and Amazon regions. This anticipation of La Niña underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and preparedness across Colombia, especially in areas prone to adverse weather effects.

La Niña’s delay forecasts slow reservoir recovery

Projected to maintain its influence on the country’s climate during the second half of the year, this phenomenon has a probability of more than 64% intensifying in July, August, and September. IDEAM’s latest report explains that the current El Niño phenomenon is active but weakening, with an 82% probability of transitioning to its neutral phase in the next three months.

In the press conference, the ministers supported the preventive measure taken by the Bogota Mayor’s Office of water rationing by sectors. In addition, a call has been made to the National System for Disaster Risk Management and the National Environmental System to remain on alert and prepare appropriate contingency measures aimed at minimizing the impacts in urban and rural areas.