What is El Niño and why could it mean record temperatures?
Global temperatures are expected to rise in the coming months as El Niño begins.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"A strong El Niño event would exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean."
— Celeste Saulo , Academic
"El Niño conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world. Impacts will hit even harder, travel even farther, and cross borders with devastating speed."
— António Guterres , Executive
"The science is clear: El Niño is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90% certainty. The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is."
— António Guterres , Executive
"We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event – which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean."
— Celeste Saulo , Academic
"El Niño is a change in the surface water temperatures in the tropical Pacific."
— Muhammad Azhar Ehsan , Academic
"The phrase El Niño comes from Spanish meaning 'Christian boy.'"
— Mingfang Ting , Academic
"The science is clear: El Niño is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90% certainty. The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is."
— António Guterres , Executive
"This outlook now depicts the strongest El Niño on record."
— Ben Noll , Academic
"Confidence is clearly shifting higher on potentially the biggest El Niño event since the 1870s."
— Paul Roundy , Academic
"El Niño patterns are correlated with food shortages, water impacts and even civil conflict in tropical countries."
— Katharine Hayhoe , Academic
"2026 is on track to become the planet’s second warmest year on record."
— Zeke Hausfather , Academic
"El Niño is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90% certainty."
— António Guterres , Executive
"We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event, which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heat waves both on land and in the ocean."
— Celeste Saulo , Academic
Key People
The UN Secretary-General involved in discussions regarding Iran.
Meteorologist and global weather writer at the Washington Post.
World Meteorological Organization secretary general.
Katharine Hayhoe is a climate scientist known for her work on climate change and its impacts.
A professor of climate at the Columbia Climate School.
An associate research scientist at the Columbia Climate School.
Paul Roundy is a professor of atmospheric science at the State University of New York at Albany.
Zeke Hausfather is a climate scientist who analyzes climate data and trends.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Global temperatures are expected to rise in the coming months as El Niño begins.
The World Meteorological Organization warns of developing El Niño conditions, predicting an 80% chance of occurrence between June and August 2026, with potential to influence global temperatures and increase extreme weather risks.
An explanation of 'super' El Niño events, characterized by sea surface temperatures exceeding 2°C above average, and their potential impacts on global weather patterns and temperatures.
A forecast predicts the upcoming El Niño could be the strongest ever recorded, with sea surface temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific expected to rise by up to 4°C above average by December 2026, potentially leading to record global temperatures.
An analysis of increasing probabilities for a record-breaking El Niño event in 2026, discussing potential global temperature impacts and the likelihood of 2027 becoming the warmest year on record.
The United Nations warns of an impending El Niño event, urging global preparation for potential impacts such as droughts, heavy rainfall, and increased risk of heatwaves, with a 90% chance of El Niño forming by November.
An in-depth look at El Niño, its mechanisms, and its potential impact on global temperatures in the coming months.
Experts warn that the resurgence of El Niño may result in unprecedented global heatwaves this summer.
A comprehensive explanation of El Niño and its possible effects on global temperature records in the near future.
Scientists predict that the onset of El Niño could trigger record-breaking heatwaves worldwide this summer.
An analysis of how the return of El Niño could influence global temperature trends in the coming months.
A report indicates a 75% chance of a strong El Niño event, potentially leading to a 2.5°C rise in global temperatures by November 2026.
NOAA declares the arrival of El Niño, forecasting significant global weather changes due to rising Pacific Ocean temperatures.
El Niño has officially begun, with forecasts indicating it could become a 'Super El Niño,' leading to major shifts in global weather patterns and higher global temperatures.
NOAA announces the onset of El Niño, predicting it to be one of the strongest events recorded, with significant global impacts.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Could El Niño mean there are no Atlantic hurricanes this year?
For the first time in three decades there has not been a single Atlantic hurricane in September, normally the most active month.
October 2, 2026 at 11:37 PMLate September warmth before wind and rain return this week
Temperatures remain above the average at the start of the week but wetter conditions are on the way for some
September 28, 2026 at 06:56 AMThe treasured 'eternal snow' on this tropical island is about to disappear forever
Climate change is transforming Papua's snowy peaks, which hold scientific value and spiritual significance.
September 25, 2026 at 10:12 PMHalf of Europe faced very strong heat stress this summer, EU scientists say - reuters.com
Half of Europe faced very strong heat stress this summer, EU scientists say reuters.com
October 2, 2026 at 02:11 AMNor'easter storm brings coastal flooding, as New York and New Jersey declare emergency
Tens of millions of people from Maine to Virginia are in the path of the powerful storm.
September 26, 2026 at 05:47 PMButterfly populations 'could crash' due to weather
More than 77,000 butterflies were recorded in Devon while 47,000 were spotted in Cornwall this July.
September 26, 2026 at 11:05 AM