Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Super El Niño Raises UK Food Security Concerns
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can change weather around the world.
This year's event is expected to be unusually strong.
It may bring wetter winters and stronger storms to the UK.
Other places, especially in Asia, could face serious flooding.
Extreme weather has already damaged crops in Europe.
Officials are worried that this could make food harder to produce or deliver.
The National Audit Office wants the government to make emergency food plans.
One adviser said families could keep some food at home in case help or deliveries are delayed.
The United Nations says the world is entering a period of especially dangerous extreme weather.
A UK government adviser urged households to keep emergency food supplies because extreme weather could disrupt access to food.
The National Audit Office said disruption to the UK food system is becoming more likely and potentially more severe.
The National Audit Office called on the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to create emergency plans with businesses and households.
Wildfires and drought have damaged crops across Europe, while British farmers reportedly face an exceptionally poor harvest.
The United Nations and World Meteorological Organization warned that this El Niño could become the strongest on record, bringing more extreme weather globally.
- Who
- UK government adviser Dame Angela, the National Audit Office, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization.
- What
- Officials warned that an unusually strong El Niño and extreme weather could threaten food supplies and urged stronger emergency planning.
- When
- The warning was issued during the current El Niño, after an exceptionally dry UK summer and crop damage across Europe.
- Where
- The potential impacts include the UK, Europe, Asia and other regions affected by El Niño; Pacific Ocean temperatures are also elevated.
- Why
- Flooding, drought, wildfires and storms could damage crops and disrupt food production, transport and supply.
- Expected El Niño strength
- The event is expected to reach the World Meteorological Organization's highest classification, very strong.
- Pacific Ocean temperatures
- Sample temperatures are more than 2°C above normal.
- UK weather risk
- Dame Angela said the event could bring wetter winters and more extreme storms to the UK.
- Food-system warning
- The National Audit Office said disruption is becoming more likely and potentially more severe.
- Recommended action
- The National Audit Office urged the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to work with businesses and households on emergency plans.
- Recent agricultural damage
- Wildfires and drought have devastated crops across Europe, according to the report.
- Global warning
- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the planet is entering a danger zone of extreme weather.