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El Niño phenomenon intensifies, potentially becoming one of the strongest since 1950
The El Niño phenomenon is rapidly intensifying and is projected to become one of the strongest recorded since 1950. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are expected to reach record levels, with the Niño 3.4 index potentially hitting a seasonal average of +3.7°C during the October-December 2026 period.
Experts forecast a near-100% probability that the event will persist through February 2027, with peak intensity expected around December. This strengthening trend is expected to disrupt global weather patterns, increasing the risks of extreme droughts and floods across various regions. In Argentina, the phenomenon is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in the Litoral region, while potentially causing cooler temperatures in agricultural hubs.
Beyond environmental impacts, the phenomenon poses significant humanitarian risks. UNICEF has warned that the cycle could affect the health, security, and education of over 347 million children globally. In Brazil, more than 30 million children are already exposed to multiple climate risks. Local governments in various countries, including Argentina and Brazil, have begun implementing emergency protocols and infrastructure maintenance to mitigate the effects of increased precipitation and extreme weather.
Entities
Celeste Saulo · Copernicus Climate Change Service · Cordoba · IDEAM · Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales · Japan Meteorological Agency · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · Pacific Ocean · UNICEF · United Nations · University of Chicago · World Meteorological Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 15 SOURCES] The projected +3.7°C anomaly would exceed the previous record of +2.6°C set in 2015-2016. exitonoticias.com.bo · fatopaulista.com.br · www.forchecaudine.com · portalacontecern.com.br · 98fmnatal.com.br · +9 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] There is a nearly 100% probability that the phenomenon will persist until February 2027. www.forchecaudine.com · exitonoticias.com.bo · www.inliberta.it · fatopaulista.com.br · portalacontecern.com.br · +10 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] The phenomenon is expected to increase the risk of droughts and floods in various regions. www.forchecaudine.com · exitonoticias.com.bo · www.inliberta.it · canalc.com.ar · fatopaulista.com.br · +12 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] The El Niño phenomenon is fully established and strengthening rapidly. www.forchecaudine.com · exitonoticias.com.bo · www.inliberta.it · canalc.com.ar · fatopaulista.com.br · +14 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] The Niño 3.4 index is projected to reach a seasonal average of +3.7°C during the October-December 2026 quarter. www.forchecaudine.com · exitonoticias.com.bo · www.inliberta.it · fatopaulista.com.br · portalacontecern.com.br · +9 more
- [● 21 SOURCES] El Niño is expected to reach peak intensity in December. www.forchecaudine.com · exitonoticias.com.bo · www.inliberta.it · canalc.com.ar · fatopaulista.com.br · +13 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The current El Niño event could rank among the strongest recorded since 1950. www.botosaneanul.ro · www.diarioleiria.pt · economymiddleeast.com · tob.news · fatopaulista.com.br · +5 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The El Niño phenomenon is strengthening rapidly and could be one of the most intense episodes since at least 1950. www.eldiariodehoy.com · lahora.pe · lu32.com.ar · www.centraldenoticiasmadariaga.com · ituzaingonoticias.com.ar · +1 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] There is nearly a 100% probability that the El Niño event will persist until February 2027. lahora.pe · lu32.com.ar · ituzaingonoticias.com.ar · radiolamira.com.ar · www.botosaneanul.ro · +3 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The impending El Niño cycle could threaten the health, security, and education of over 347 million children globally. world-today-journal.com · dijitaliyidir.com · ongnews.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] El Niño is expected to reach strong or very strong intensity in central-eastern Argentina, increasing flood risks. radiotvsierras.com · derf.ar
- [● 4 SOURCES] The El Niño event is expected to reach its peak in December 2026. www.eldiariodehoy.com · lahora.pe · lu32.com.ar · radiolamira.com.ar