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The Global Influence of the El Niño Phenomenon. Recent reports from the World Meteorological Agency indicate that the current El Niño event, a significant natural weather pattern, is set to become one of the most powerful on record. Experts predict that its influence on the global climate will persist until at least 2027, bringing with it a series of environmental challenges across different continents. In Southeast Asia, the consequences have been particularly devastating. Indonesia is currently experiencing its most intense wildfire season in over a decade. The El Niño pattern typically results in exceptionally dry and hot conditions in this region, leaving the landscape highly flammable. To date, approximately nine hundred thousand hectares have been consumed by fire—an area roughly six times larger than Greater London. This situation has created a severe health crisis, as a toxic haze covers major islands like Sumatra and Kalimantan. Over 175,000 people have sought medical treatment for respiratory illnesses, with young children being especially vulnerable to serious conditions such as pneumonia. Conversely, the eastern Pacific Ocean has seen a dramatic increase in tropical storm activity. The combination of elevated ocean temperatures and reduced atmospheric winds creates the ideal environment for hurricanes to undergo ‘rapid intensification.’ A notable example is Hurricane Polo, which reached wind speeds of 285 kilometers per hour. Scientists have also observed the rare occurrence of three hurricanes—Lowell, Karina, and Marie—operating simultaneously in the region. Interestingly, the impact on the Atlantic hurricane season has been the exact opposite. While the Pacific remains turbulent, the Atlantic has stayed unusually quiet. This is due to a phenomenon known as wind shear, where powerful high-altitude winds effectively disrupt and dismantle developing storms before they can gain strength. These contrasting weather extremes highlight the complexity of our planet’s climate systems. As these patterns continue to evolve into next year, continuous monitoring remains essential for helping global communities prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with such unpredictable weather.

1. What is the primary purpose of the article?

• A.To explain the scientific causes behind the formation of El Niño.
• B.To compare the historical weather patterns of 2015 with those of 2026.
• C.To describe the diverse global effects of a current weather phenomenon.
• D.To provide advice on how to survive extreme hurricane seasons.

2. According to the text, what has been a direct result of the wildfires in Indonesia?

• A.A sudden decrease in the temperature of the Pacific Ocean.
• B.The destruction of an area equivalent to six times the size of London.
• C.A decrease in hospital admissions due to school closures.
• D.The immediate end of the El Niño cycle in Southeast Asia.

3. Why has the Atlantic hurricane season been less active than the Pacific season?

• A.The ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are too high for storms to form.
• B.There is a lack of atmospheric wind to fuel the development of storms.
• C.High-altitude winds in the North Atlantic prevent storms from fully developing.
• D.The Pacific Ocean is absorbing all the atmospheric energy from El Niño.

4. What does the author imply about the health impact in Indonesia?

• A.Only people living in Greater London are safe from the toxic haze.
• B.The medical system is struggling to cope with the number of respiratory cases.
• C.Pneumonia is the only major health concern for adults in the region.
• D.The haze is mostly affecting the uninhabited islands of the country.

5. In the context of the article, what is the meaning of the word ‘intensification’?

• A.The process of moving from one ocean to another.
• B.The act of becoming stronger or more extreme in power.
• C.A method used by scientists to measure wind speeds.
• D.The frequency with which hurricanes occur in a single season.