A powerful El Niño event has already surpassed the previous temperature record for the phenomenon, raising concerns about severe global weather disruptions. Pacific Ocean temperatures have reached 3.05°C above the 1991–2020 average, exceeding the previous record of 3.02°C set in 2015.
Climate models suggest the event could peak at around 4°C in November and December, potentially making it the strongest El Niño in at least 1,000 years. Scientists warn that the combination of El Niño and human-driven global warming could intensify heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires.
The World Food Programme estimates that up to 50 million people could face acute hunger as weather disruptions affect food production.
The event is also expected to contribute to 2027 becoming the hottest year on record.
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