The World Meteorological Organization and the UN are warning that the current El Niño could be the strongest since records began 40 years ago. The phenomenon is being supersized due to exceptionally warm temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
The climate phenomenon is expected to peak towards the end of this year, though it is predicted to last until at least February. Because heat in the oceans releases more slowly into the atmosphere, global temperatures will be pushed up the following year.
The impacts of El Niño will be felt long after its peak, with extreme weather and climate effects continuing into 2027. These developments bring dire consequences for worldwide weather and could lead to disruption to global economies.