Potentially record-breaking El Niño threatens global droughts, floods and heatwaves

Scientists warn that a developing El Niño in the Pacific could become the strongest in the past 140 years. Meteorologists say the phenomenon may trigger severe droughts, intense flooding, heatwaves and disruptions to food and water supplies worldwide. United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres called it an “urgent climate warning”, noting that El Niño will act as an accelerator of global warming.

Regional impacts could include extreme drought in Honduras, where emergency water measures have already been declared, and heavy rains causing floods along the Pacific coasts of South America. The heat may heighten wildfire risk in Australia, Canada, the United States and the Amazon rainforest. The event is also expected to suppress Atlantic hurricane formation this season while increasing storm activity in the Pacific.

The World Meteorological Organization expects El Niño conditions to persist through at least winter, potentially affecting agriculture, hydro‑electric power and water availability for millions of people across multiple continents.