American prediction of "El Niño" phenomenon's return
Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. meteorological services predict the imminent return of the "El Niño" climate phenomenon.
- El Niño is expected to persist through the winter of 2026-2027, with a high probability of reaching severe levels.
- The phenomenon, combined with human-caused climate change, raises concerns about an increase in extreme weather events globally.
American meteorological agencies have issued a significant forecast, predicting the imminent return of the "El Niño" climate phenomenon. This natural cycle in the Pacific Ocean, which typically begins in spring, is expected to influence global temperatures, wind patterns, and weather systems throughout the winter of 2026-2027.
The "El Niño" climate phenomenon is expected to make an "imminent return" and continue throughout the winter of 2026-2027, with an increasing probability of reaching severe levels.
Experts from the Climate Prediction Center, part of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicate a substantial likelihood of El Niño developing between May and July, with probabilities reaching 82 percent. Furthermore, they estimate a 96 percent chance that this warming trend will continue through February 2027.
The potential for El Niño to reach "strong" to "very strong" levels is also on the rise, with probabilities exceeding 50 percent for the September-November period. While scientists acknowledge uncertainty regarding the ultimate intensity of the phenomenon, they emphasize that strong El Niño events increase the probability of certain extreme weather occurrences.
The chances of the climatic phenomenon developing between May and July have reached 82 percent.
This anticipated return of El Niño, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing climate change driven by human activities, is fueling growing concerns about the amplification of extreme weather events worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization has also recently warned of an increased likelihood of El Niño, further highlighting the global implications for temperature and rainfall patterns.
American climate scientists estimate a 96 percent probability that this wave will continue until the period between December 2026 and February 2027.
The specific impacts of El Niño vary geographically. Some regions, like Indonesia, may face severe droughts, while others, such as Peru, could experience torrential rainfall and increased flood risks. The last significant El Niño event occurred during 2023-2024, making this forecast a critical update for global climate preparedness.
The chances of "El Niño" forming with "strong" to "very strong" intensity are increasing, exceeding 50 percent starting from the September-November period.
Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.