El Niño intensifies, sparking droughts, floods and crop risks worldwide

A strong El Niño developed in early June, with sea‑surface temperature anomalies already above 1 °C and a 70 % chance of becoming a “Super El Niño” by late summer. Meteorologists cite record‑high ocean temperatures of 20.86 °C in June, the warmest on record for the month.

The event is expected to reshape weather patterns globally. In the United States, a high‑pressure ridge will bring drier conditions to the Corn Belt and a risk of mid‑90 °F days in northern Minnesota, while the western Plains may stay wetter. New Zealand’s spring outlook foresees drier than average weather in the north and east, wetter conditions in the west, and heightened wildfire danger. In South America, Argentina faces potential September floods, and Peru’s coastal winter will be warmer, with modest rainfall and possible impacts on anchoveta fisheries. Scientists also warn that a severe El Niño could threaten global rice supplies, as the crop relies on irrigated lowland paddies in Asia and is vulnerable to reduced water availability.

Overall, the developing El Niño threatens agriculture, water resources and disaster risk across multiple continents, prompting authorities to monitor forecasts and issue early warnings.