Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Super El Niño strengthens to unprecedented levels, with impacts expected into 2027
A super El Niño is strengthening to unprecedented levels and is already affecting parts of the world.
Its most widespread impacts are expected later this year and into 2027.
El Niño is a climate pattern that can shift weather around the world, but its effects vary by region and from one event to another.
Past strong events brought drought and fires to parts of south-east Asia, floods to East Africa and severe drought in southern Africa.
Drought and flood disruption is already being reported in several regions, with concern about food security in parts of East Africa and the Asia-Pacific.
Strong El Niño events often suppress Atlantic hurricanes while increasing activity in parts of the Pacific, a pattern also seen in 2026.
Forecasters expect the event to peak in December, but its regional effects may differ from those of past events.
El Niño is strengthening to unprecedented levels, with its most widespread impacts expected later in 2026 and into 2027.
Its influence is already being felt in parts of the world, and drought- and flood-related disruption has been reported in several regions.
Forecasters from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say it is likely to peak in December.
The World Meteorological Organisation has raised concerns about food security in parts of East Africa and the Asia-Pacific.
Strong El Niño events typically suppress Atlantic hurricanes and boost activity in parts of the Pacific, a pattern observed during 2026.
- Who
- The World Meteorological Organisation, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are cited.
- What
- El Niño is strengthening to unprecedented levels, with widespread impacts expected later in 2026 and into 2027.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026. Forecasts indicate El Niño is likely to peak in December.
- Where
- Its influence is being felt across parts of the world, with disruption reported in several regions.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A strong El Niño coincided with severe drought and fires in south-east Asia and devastating floods in parts of East Africa.
Severe drought and wildfire activity returned to parts of south-east Asia, while southern Africa faced one of its worst droughts in decades.
El Niño's influence was already being felt, and the article said its typical pattern of reduced Atlantic hurricane activity and increased activity in parts of the Pacific had been observed.
Forecasts indicated El Niño was likely to peak.
- Article publication
- 13 October 2026
- Expected impacts
- Later in 2026 and into 2027
- Forecast peak
- December
- Forecasters
- European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Food security concerns
- Parts of East Africa and the Asia-Pacific
What people are saying
astonishing
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