Super El Niño sets another record as it strengthens to ‘unprecedented levels’
El Niño has strengthened to record levels months before its expected peak in December, with several measures of Pacific Ocean warmth now exceeding previous highs. Scientists say the event is unprecedented in the historical record, and its added heat is expected to contribute to unusually high global temperatures in 2026 and possibly into 2027.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology reported record weekly sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific, while daily temperatures in the central-eastern Pacific also surpassed the 2015 record. Temperatures above 30C have been recorded in parts of the tropical Pacific, and unusually warm water extends beyond the region normally used to monitor El Niño. The event is occurring against a backdrop of human-driven ocean warming; the World Meteorological Organization says there is not yet evidence that climate change makes El Niño events stronger or more frequent.
- El Niño has reached record ocean-warming levels before its December peak.
- Its warmth extends beyond the usual monitoring region.
- Extra heat may help keep global temperatures high into 2027.
New here? Start with this
El Niño is a recurring climate pattern in which surface waters in the tropical Pacific become warmer than usual. It alters winds and rainfall, shifting weather patterns around the world; its effects vary by region and can include droughts, floods and changes in storm activity.
Scientists track El Niño using sea temperatures and other measurements across the Pacific. The pattern occurs on top of long-term warming driven mainly by human greenhouse gas emissions, which has raised ocean and air temperatures over time.
A particularly strong El Niño can add to global temperatures for a time, although it is separate from human-driven climate change. Scientists say the relationship between climate change and the strength or frequency of El Niño events is not yet established.