British households are being advised to stockpile non-perishable food and water in anticipation of extreme weather events linked to a strengthening "Super El Niño." Experts warn that the phenomenon, which typically occurs every two to seven years, is expected to bring wetter and stormier conditions to the UK from October, followed by plummeting temperatures this winter.
Professor Elizabeth Robinson, an environmental economist at the London School of Economics, recommends that households maintain a two-week supply of non-perishable food and water. "In terms of which items Brits might consider stocking up on, grains such as pasta and rice, tinned foods including some that do not need heating in case of a power cut," she advised.
Recommended items include grains like pasta and rice, tinned goods, beans, pulses, fish, meat, vegetables, tinned fruits, UHT or powdered milk, and water. The advice emphasizes items that can be combined to create nutritious meals and are suitable for consumption without heating, in case of power outages.
The UK government's 'household emergency plan' outlines essential supplies for emergencies, including a battery-powered torch, portable power bank, battery-powered radio, spare batteries, a first aid kit, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, bottled water, non-perishable food that requires no cooking, and a tin opener. Supplies for infants, such as nappies and formula, are also recommended.
The El Niño Southern Oscillation is a natural climate cycle where warming of the Pacific Ocean surface affects global weather patterns. Normally, trade winds blow warm water across the Pacific towards Australia. During an El Niño phase, these winds weaken or reverse, preventing cool water from surfacing off the coast of South America and leading to warmer ocean temperatures that can disrupt weather worldwide.
Scientists have indicated that El Niño is "firmly established" and "being supersized before our eyes." While the UK recently experienced a record-hot summer, predictions suggest severe storms are likely to begin in October.
Professor Robinson also noted that El Niño could impact food prices. "In the UK we are highly dependent on imported fruits and vegetables, and we have already seen how weather extremes in places like Spain and north Africa can lead to shortages and higher prices," she explained. She added that staple goods like rice, coffee, and cocoa could become more expensive, and increased animal feed prices could affect the cost of meat and dairy. Domestic agricultural production may also be affected, further contributing to rising food prices.