Scientists are issuing a warning about a potentially powerful El Niño event expected to form in mid-2026. There is an estimated 80% to 90% chance that this phenomenon will persist into late 2026 and continue through the winter of 2026-27.
The development is expected to be supercharged by human-driven global warming, which has already raised temperatures by approximately 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels. This amplification could cause the event to rival the severity of the deadly 1876-78 El Niño.
Such a powerful El Niño event carries the risk of driving severe global weather extremes. These impacts could manifest in various forms across different regions of the world, leading to significant climatic disruptions.
Source: Down To Earth