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Strongest El Nino Could Shake Global Weather
Minneapolis, USASaturday, May 9, 2026
Scientists predict that a powerful El Nino may form mid‑year, possibly the most intense on record. This warming pulse in the equatorial Pacific can shift heat across the planet, making summers hotter and storms more severe.
What the World Meteorological Organization Says
- Clear signal for an El Nino, but spring forecasts remain uncertain.
- Warming of ocean layers rises to the surface—a key step in building an El Nino.
Historical Context
- El Ninos appear every 2–7 years and last about 9–12 months.
- Current conditions match the biggest events in history, suggesting a “super El Nino” could materialise.
Potential Global Impacts
| Region | Possible Effects |
|---|---|
| Pacific | Large heat release triggers extreme weather: stronger heat waves, severe droughts in some places, heavier rainfall elsewhere. |
| Atlantic | Heat can dampen hurricanes, leaving islands drier and with fewer storms. |
| United States | Summer temperatures may rise sharply; more daily thunderstorms in the Southwest. |
| Amazon | Increased fire risk as forests weaken from drought and logging. |
Long‑Term Outlook
While an El Nino temporarily lifts global temperatures, the long‑term rise from fossil‑fuel emissions will continue. Scientists warn that the next few years could be highly variable, but overall warming remains a steady threat.
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