Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/el-nino-risks-supercharging-2026-extremes/
Scientists warn El Niño could intensify climate extremes in 2026 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: upload.wikimedia.org)
Climate researchers are tracking the likely emergence of a strong El Niño this year against a backdrop of already elevated global temperatures. The natural cycle, driven by warmer Pacific waters, is expected to develop within weeks and could push 2026 toward the top of the historical temperature rankings. Forecasters note that the overlap with human-driven warming raises the stakes for weather patterns worldwide.
Why the Timing Matters
Global temperatures have already set records in recent years, with 2024 marking the first time the annual average exceeded 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A new El Niño would build on that baseline rather than starting from cooler conditions. Scientists at the World Weather Attribution group describe early 2026 conditions as extraordinary, including near-record sea-surface temperatures in April and the second-lowest Arctic sea-ice extent on record.
March brought a U.S. heatwave that analysis shows would have been virtually impossible without climate change. These developments indicate that even before El Niño fully arrives, the planet is experiencing heightened variability. The combination could accelerate the pace at which new extremes appear.
How El Niño Interacts With Warming
El Niño itself is a recurring natural event that shifts heat from the ocean to the atmosphere. In…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-05-13 16:33:00
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