UN warns 'super-duper' El Niño is set to peak in December and will last until February 2027

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

The World Meteorological Organisation has declared El Niño "firmly established and strengthening rapidly," with Pacific sea surface temperatures forecast to hit a record 3.7°C above normal between October and December — smashing the previous record of 2.6°C set in 2015. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo says there is a near-100 per cent chance the event persists through February 2027, the first time a WMO update has been so unequivocal. Scientists warn it could become one of the strongest El Niños since at least 1950, compounding human-caused climate change with floods, droughts and heat extremes across much of the globe.

US meteorologist Ryan Maue posted striking climate maps showing Earth 'almost entirely in the red,' writing that El Niño is running at 'maximum power.'

Climate scientist Zeke Hausfather warned Pacific temperatures have already climbed to 3.4°C above normal — higher than any prior El Niño on record.

UK residents have already been warned to brace for large storms this autumn and winter, with Defra issuing guidance last month ahead of the expected peak.