El Niño returns, scientists warn of possible worldwide weather disruptions

Scientists have confirmed that a new El Niño event has begun in the tropical Pacific. NOAA announced the official return on 11 June after sea‑surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific stayed at least 0.5 °C above normal for several months. Satellite observations from Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich show a clear rise in sea‑surface height, indicating large volumes of heat stored beneath the ocean surface. Researchers also detected Kelvin waves moving eastward, which transport warm water and can intensify the phenomenon.

Comparisons are being drawn with the powerful 1997–1998 El Niño, which caused severe floods, droughts, wildfires and economic losses worldwide. While current warming is not yet as strong as in 1997, scientists caution that continued heat buildup could lead to a similarly strong event. Potential impacts include heavier rainfall and flooding in parts of North and South America, drought conditions in Australia and Indonesia, altered monsoon patterns across Asia, and a higher likelihood of extreme weather events globally. Further monitoring will determine whether this El Niño reaches historic strength.