The 2026 El Niño Is on Track to Be the Strongest on Record

A new climate analysis says the 2026 El Niño could become the strongest on record.

Using 14 climate models and 667 simulations, researchers found the event may build faster and stronger than previous super El Niños.

Niño 3.4 temperatures could reach about 3.6°C above normal, potentially surpassing the 2015–2016 and 1997–1998 events.

Such a record-setting El Niño could intensify heat, drought, flooding, and other extremes worldwide while disrupting fisheries, ecosystems, and economies.