What is a ‘super El Niño’ and how will it affect the weather?
Summary
A potentially record-breaking El Niño is forming in the Pacific and could drive floods, droughts, extreme heat and crop losses across the world through 2027. The warming pattern may also worsen heat-related deaths and intensify already dangerous weather extremes alongside climate change.
Key Points
- The developing El Niño in the Pacific could become one of the strongest on record, with major impacts on rainfall, temperatures and extreme weather worldwide.
- The World Meteorological Organization expects the event to peak by early 2027, while researchers warn it could contribute to 451,000 excess deaths.
- El Niño is a natural climate pattern, but global warming can amplify its effects by supercharging heat, droughts, floods and crop failures.
- Countries including Nigeria, Indonesia and Sudan are projected to face the highest heat-related death tolls, while regions such as southern Africa, Central America and Australia may see drier conditions.
