from storm, strong winds, snow and heavy MISit is fair to say that the United Kingdom has already been handed the full breadth of WEATHER this year.
But a natural phenomenon could raise global temperatures later in 2026, with initial warnings suggesting this year could be a particularly strong event.
El Niño and La Niña form some of Earth’s most important natural weather systems, affecting temperatures and precipitation around the world.
A rare super El Niño could occur this year, which could bring unpredictable weather from heat waves, heavy rainfall and impactful storms later in the year.
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What is El Niño?
El Niño refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures and is a phenomenon that occurs every few years, according to Meeting Office.
It is declared when temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean reach 0.5°C above average.
The effects of the phenomenon usually peak at the end of the year, in December.
The phenomenon is believed to have been first observed by Peruvian fishermen in the 1600s, who named the weather phenomenon ‘El Niño de Navidad’.
The name translates to Christ Child in spanish.
With El Niño, which increases warmer temperatures, La Nina also occurs, resulting in the opposite effect, affecting cooler temperatures.
Each episode occurs from year to year rather than within a single season as part of a cycle called the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
How does El Niño affect the weather?
El Niño can affect weather in several ways, including temperature, precipitation, tropical storms, and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.
The weather phenomenon pushes global temperatures higher by releasing heat from the oceans into the atmosphere.
The UK’s hottest year on record in 2024 was boosted by El Niño and it looks like this year’s display could bring more heatwaves in the future.
With El Niño, Britain could experience another year of record temperatures, which are already being fueled by climate change.
Unpredictable weather is also likely, with an increased risk of unseasonably warm weather in periods of heavy rainfall.
Storm tracks across the Atlantic can also affect how and where winter storms develop in the UK.
Will there be a ‘super’ El Niño in 2026?
The effects of a super El Nino can be more severe than an ordinary one.
A super El Niño is usually more intense with ocean temperatures exceeding 2°C above average.
Although rare, the phenomenon significantly affects global temperatures and, in turn, weather extremes.
The chance of a super El Niño happening this year is extremely high, with some forecasters predicting the phenomenon could begin in the spring or WINE.
According to the latest reports from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
It predicts that Pacific Ocean temperatures will rise to at least 1.5°C warmer than average.
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