The global mean surface air temperature continued to be above-normal in 1998 and reached to the highest record.The El Nino and the following La Nina events have exerted significant effects on the global climate.Extreme climate events such as floods,storms,hot weather and droughts frequently occurred in different areas.All these disasters caused great economic loss all over the world.During the winter in 1998,the air temperatures were obviously warmer than the normal in most regions of the world and severe snowstorms were experienced in the North America.In spring,there were many forest fires caused by drought in Mexico and Indonesia.Persistent high air temperatures appeared in Indian and Europe.Tornadoes hit many areas in America during summer.The cold wave attacked Europe in the earlier fall.Severe hurricanes hit Caribbean in the later fall.