Warning of record global temperatures
Warning of record global temperatures as chance of very strong El Niño grows
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The present state is close to the conditions at the same time in 1997."
— Paul Roundy , Academic
"After a period of neutral conditions at the start of the year, climate models are now strongly aligned, and there is high confidence in the onset of El Niño, followed by further intensification in the months that follow."
— Wilfran Moufouma Okia , Academic
"Accurately predicting ENSO more than a year in advance is important because it can provide early warning, allowing communities, governments, and resource managers to take actions and make adaptations to reduce the potential impacts from El Niño and La Niña."
— Yuxin Wang , Academic
"April 2026 adds to the clear signal of sustained global warmth."
— Samantha Burgess , Academic
Key People
Paul Roundy is a professor of atmospheric science at the State University of New York at Albany.
Samantha Burgess is the strategic lead for climate at the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
Wilfran Moufouma Okia is the Chief of Climate Prediction at the World Meteorological Organization.
Lead author of a study predicting El Niño and La Niña.
Tags
All Coverage
Warning of record global temperatures as chance of very strong El Niño grows
The WMO reports a high confidence in the onset of El Niño conditions from mid-2026, which are expected to impact global temperature and rainfall patterns.
AccuWeather meteorologists report that El Niño is likely to develop soon, with increasing chances of it becoming a rare 'super El Niño' that could rival the strongest in history.
The likelihood of a strong El Niño developing in the coming months is increasing, raising concerns about global crop supplies, altered storm patterns, and record-high temperatures.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the development of a strong El Niño by June, with potential to become a record-breaking event impacting global weather patterns.
Experts predict a powerful El Niño event this year, potentially making 2026 the second-warmest year on record, with global temperatures expected to rise throughout the year.
Ocean surface temperatures in April approached record highs, signaling a possible emergence of a 'super' El Niño, which could lead to significant global temperature increases and extreme weather events.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
UN weather body says El Niño set to intensify and last until February 2027 - Reuters
UN weather body says El Niño set to intensify and last until February 2027 Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 07:58 AMWill El Niño and the polar vortex bring snow to the UK this winter?
The developing El Niño may impact the UK's weather prospects this autumn and winter but cold conditions are far from guaranteed.
October 8, 2026 at 11:03 PMTropical Storm Isaias forecast to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026
El Niño has led to an eerily quiet season so far but the first Atlantic hurricane of the year is now set to impact the southern USA.
October 7, 2026 at 01:21 PM'Wear more clothes if it's cold,' schools told as energy bills rise
The EA suggests cost-saving measures as it warns school gas and electricity bills are set to rise.
October 7, 2026 at 05:33 AMCOMMENTARY: Morning Bid: Storm brewing - Reuters
COMMENTARY: Morning Bid: Storm brewing Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 10:35 AMIMF chief warns energy shock, growing debt and AI risks threaten global growth - Reuters
IMF chief warns energy shock, growing debt and AI risks threaten global growth Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 06:06 AM