Experts are currently puzzled by this sudden temperature shift and the potential early onset of La Niña. Frans Philip Tuchen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Miami, mentioned to New Scientist, “We’ve reviewed all possible factors, but none seem to fully explain the situation.”

These unexpected changes are raising environmental concerns. NOAA suggests that shifts between El Niño and La Niña could affect rainfall patterns on nearby continents and increase the likelihood of hurricanes near the Cape Verde islands. Michael McPhaden from NOAA also notes that this could influence oceanic cycles, potentially delaying the Pacific Ocean’s La Niña as the Atlantic and Pacific engage in a “tug of war.”

The situation is still under close observation to determine whether the Atlantic will fully transition into La Niña and how this might affect climate predictions for the rest of the year.