El Niño is about to turn up the heat

El Niño is expected to intensify in the weeks ahead, fueling more severe heat across the globe, according to the U.N. World Meteorological Organization. The forecast comes as blistering heat shatters temperature records from Europe to Asia.

During El Niño, warm waters pool in the eastern Pacific, driving hotter weather around the world, amplifying the impact of warming. El Niño drove record heat in 2023 and 2024, the hottest years ever recorded. This year, forecasters say a strong El Niño will take shape between August and October.

“El Niño is not just on our doorstep — it is inside the house and turning up the heat,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. “And this is only a warm-up act. El Niño is strengthening — adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires, and record hot seas.” – Full report

MORE: In other news, no other hurricane season has seen a slower start since 2009. However, the season generally peaks between mid-August and mid-October. – Full report