The World Meteorological Organization's latest update shows
an 80% chance of El Niño developing between June and August 2026, with odds
rising above 90% from July through November.
Warmer-than-average Pacific waters are expected to disrupt weather
patterns worldwide, driving above-average temperatures nearly everywhere and
varying regional impacts like wetter conditions in South America's parts and
the U.S. Southwest, or drier spells in Asia and Australia.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a critical climate
warning, urging fossil fuel cuts, renewable shifts, and stronger early warning
systems as models predict a potentially record-strength event peaking at
+3.3°C.
