Overview
- International agencies including the World Meteorological Organization and NASA say current forecasts and satellite data show a very strong El Niño that could produce sea‑surface anomalies up to about 3.8°C in the tropical Pacific.
- Major forecast centers project the event will persist into early 2027, with most models indicating peak intensity between November 2026 and January 2027.
- Argentina’s national and provincial authorities are preparing for heavier-than-normal rainfall in the northeast and east; Neuquén has declared a six‑month meteorological emergency and mobilized prevention and relief teams.
- The United Nations and humanitarian officials warn tens of millions of people face higher food‑security and humanitarian risk and are urging governments to strengthen early‑warning, preparedness and prepositioned aid.
- Scientists say warm Kelvin waves and elevated sea level detected by satellite altimetry underpin the signal but regional impacts remain uncertain, so officials are prioritizing flood defenses, drainage works and targeted agricultural planning.