Developing El Niño becomes strongest on record weeks before expected peak
Summary
The current El Niño climate event in the Pacific Ocean has reached the strongest daily sea surface temperature on record, exceeding previous highs. This weather pattern can change global climate by increasing storms, droughts, and temperatures, and its full impact is expected to develop later this year.Key Facts
- On 19 September, sea surface temperatures in the key Pacific region were 3.05°C above average, breaking the 2015 record of 3.02°C.
- El Niño happens roughly every 2 to 7 years and lasts about one year.
- It occurs when trade winds weaken or reverse, allowing warm water to spread east across the Pacific Ocean.
- The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) measures El Niño strength by comparing Pacific temperatures to long-term averages.
- Another index, the Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI), accounts for general ocean warming from climate change. By RONI, this event is not yet a record breaker.
- Impacts of El Niño include more storms and floods in some areas and droughts and wildfires in others.
- India’s southwest monsoon rainfall was 15% below normal in 2026, a common effect during El Niño years.
- So far in 2026, no hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic, setting a record for the latest hurricane of the season, which El Niño conditions typically cause by altering wind patterns.
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