Climate Change Intensifies Record-Breaking 2026 El Niño

Scientists monitoring the tropical Pacific reported on 19 September 2026 that an intensifying El Niño matched the daily sea-surface temperature record and could surpass it this winter.

During the current El Niño in the Pacific, climate scientist Mat Collins says natural ocean variability and human-caused warming together increase the likelihood of extremes across affected regions.

NOAA declared a strong El Nino in the tropical Pacific on June 11, 2026, as forecasts pointed to global weather shifts and heightened U.S. regional risks.

El Niño periodically shifts warm water east across the tropical Pacific, altering global temperatures and rainfall patterns every two to seven years.

Scientists report that a record-strength El Nino in the Pacific Ocean is intensifying global heat, rainfall, drought, wildfire, and food-security risks.

The World Food Program warns that a potentially record-strength El Niño could worsen food insecurity across vulnerable regions as the event approaches its forecast December peak.

Climate scientists are tracking an exceptionally strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific this year, with record Niño 3.4 warming and potential worldwide weather impacts.

Climate Impact Lab projected that the current super El Nino could cause nearly 451,000 excess heat-related deaths worldwide by early 2027.

Climate researchers project 451,000 additional heat deaths from the current super El Niño worldwide between June 2026 and February 2027, with tropical countries among the hardest hit.

The University of Chicago's Climate Impact Lab projected that El Niño-driven heat could cause 240,000 additional deaths worldwide from September through February.

University of Chicago Climate Impact Lab scientists projected that a super El Niño could contribute to more than 451,000 additional heat deaths worldwide over six months.

NOAA reported in 2026 that a potentially strong El Nino is developing in the tropical Pacific and could disrupt weather patterns worldwide.

Scientists said this week that a developing El Nino could intensify global heatwaves, droughts, and floods during the year as long-term warming increases damage.

Months before the expected November-December peak, the World Meteorological Organization warned that a severe El Nino could worsen drought, hunger, water shortages and disease outbreaks in Southern Africa.

NOAA and WMO forecast that a rapidly strengthening Pacific El Nino will affect temperatures and rainfall across the United States and worldwide during autumn and winter 2026.

Climate scientists tracking the El Niño that began in June report a 3.07°C Niño 3.4 anomaly and forecast further strengthening through winter in the central Pacific.

Weather agencies, health authorities and governments are preparing for a strengthening El Niño forecast to affect regions worldwide from June 2026 through February 2027.