The ‘Super’ El Niño is projected to cause approximately 239,000 additional heat deaths worldwide between September 2026 and February 2027, according to a report from the Climate Impact Lab. The report indicates that many Global South countries will bear a significant portion of this mortality burden.
The Sahel region is forecast to experience the largest increase, with an estimated 66,800 additional heat-related deaths during this period, including 31,400 in Nigeria. India is projected to record 15,800 additional deaths, Indonesia 19,300, Southeast Asia 19,400, and Brazil 13,300.
Researchers estimate that overall, 451,000 additional deaths could occur from the start of the El Niño in June 2026 through February 2027, with unusually warm conditions possibly persisting into mid-2027. The report highlights that these temperatures resemble future projections driven by climate change.
Source: Down To Earth