A Super El Niño is on its way, and is almost certain to arrive this summer.
That’s according to scientists from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), who warn there’s now an 80 per cent likelihood of an El Niño event during June–August 2026, and a 90 per cent chance this will continue until at least November.
Worryingly, the experts predict the rare climate event will bring extreme heat ‘nearly everywhere’ – including the UK and US.
So, what does this mean for us?
While each El Niño varies, the event typically brings increased rainfall in parts of southern South America, the southern United States, parts of the Horn of Africa and central Asia.
In contrast, there will be drier conditions over Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, Australia, Indonesia, and parts of southern Asia.
Meanwhile, scientists say there’s a strong chance 2026 will be the hottest year ever recorded.