El Nino weather phenomenon will be ‘exceptional’ and last until February, say forecasters

3rd August, 2026 | News

‘Exceptional’ El Niño Expected to Intensify, Bringing Increased Extreme Weather Risks

Forecasters have warned that this year’s El Niño is expected to strengthen significantly in the coming months and could persist until February 2027.

The naturally occurring climate pattern, caused by unusual warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, can disrupt global rainfall and temperature patterns and increase the risk of extreme weather events.

The World Meteorological Organisation said the current El Niño is already firmly established and could peak towards the end of 2026, with its effects continuing into next year. The Met Office expects the phenomenon to increase the likelihood of wetter and stormier conditions across the UK during autumn and early winter.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the event as “exceptional,” warning that its impacts could affect communities and economies worldwide through increased droughts, floods and other extreme weather.

Scientists have also warned that El Niño could contribute to record global temperatures, with 2027 potentially surpassing 2024 as the warmest year on record.