El Niño to Reach Record Strength Through 2027

El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event and persist with near certainty through February 2027, with peak conditions likely by late 2026 and continuing into 2027 as central and eastern Pacific temperatures stay well above normal. The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization describe this El Niño as supersized and potentially the strongest on record, signaling unprecedented global impacts. It is already disrupting rainfall and temperatures and threatens agriculture and food security, with examples including India’s weak monsoon and Sri Lanka drought, along with broader effects on crops and soil moisture. Forecasts suggest 2027 could be among the hottest years on record, increasing drought and flood risks across various regions. Officials emphasize that while El Niño is natural, warming oceans amplify its impacts, underscoring the need for exceptional preparation, resilience planning, and global meteorological mobilization.