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El Niño phenomenon intensifies, threatening global weather stability
The El Niño phenomenon is rapidly intensifying, with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) projecting it could reach its strongest levels in 150 years. Sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific are expected to rise by approximately 2.9 degrees Celsius between August and October 2026, potentially peaking at up to 4 degrees above average. This event is expected to drive significant global climate variability, including droughts in Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas, while causing increased rainfall in the Horn of Africa, Central Asia, and southern Europe.
Regional impacts are already being observed. In Colombia, Ideam has issued alerts for extreme heat and wildfire risks, with temperatures in the Caribbean region reaching 38 °C. In Brazil, the state of Goiás is implementing school adaptations to protect students from rising temperatures. In Ecuador, the government is strengthening the electrical grid to prepare for potential shortages during the dry season. Meanwhile, in Uruguay, the Uruguay River in Salto has begun to recede following a recent rise, with authorities reporting no necessary evacuations.
Entities
Amazon Basin · Antonio Guterres · Argentina · Brazil · Celeste Saulo · ECMWF · European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts · Goiás · IDEAM · NOAA · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · Pacific Ocean
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] In Brazil, the Super El Niño is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of windstorms, tornadoes and extreme heat, especially in the southern region. www.petropolisemcena.com.br · ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides are forecast for the coasts of Peru and Ecuador due to the Super El Niño.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Super El Niño is expected to cause severe drought and water scarcity in the Amazon basin and parts of Argentina.
- [● 3 SOURCES] There is an 81% probability that the El Niño will be very strong between October and December. www.petropolisemcena.com.br · ultimosegundo.ig.com.br · eaemaq.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Super El Niño of 2023/2026 is among the strongest El Niño events recorded in recent decades. www.petropolisemcena.com.br · ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 1,200 Brazilian municipalities lack organized civil‑defense structures. ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Temperatures in Brazil could be up to five degrees Celsius above average during the Super El Niño event. ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] About 90% of Brazilian municipalities have experienced socio‑environmental disasters in the past 30 years. ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The El Niño phenomenon is expected to intensify progressively between August and October 2026. espacemanager.com · www.eldiario24.com · tribunademexico.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The El Niño phenomenon is expected to cause extreme weather events, including severe droughts and heavy rainfall. espacemanager.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ECMWF model projects that El Niño could reach a peak near +4.0 °C in December. www.eldiario24.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] El Niño is expected to reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic by increasing vertical wind shear. www.meteorologiaenred.com