Overview
- The World Meteorological Organization says the current El Niño could reach exceptional intensity with Pacific sea-surface anomalies up to about 3.8°C and is likely to peak between November 2026 and January 2027.
- In late October 2026, NASA, NOAA and other monitoring centers released analyses that corroborate a strong signal similar to 1997–98 and gave high odds that strong conditions will persist into early 2027.
- The United Nations has allocated emergency funding, including a $50 million OCHA commitment, and urged governments to strengthen early-warning systems and preposition aid for vulnerable populations.
- Argentina has already reported evacuations and large-scale livestock relocations in flood-prone provinces such as Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Misiones and Santa Fe as authorities step up local response actions.
- Regional impacts will vary: some farming zones may see higher yields while others face floods, droughts, water and health stresses, and experts say timely preparedness can cut human and economic harm.