El Niño’s back, likely to strengthen this summer, causing floods in Peru and raising climate fears. It’s a natural Pacific cycle with big global impacts.
Heavy rains driven by El Niño Costero have caused widespread flooding across Peru, especially in Arequipa. Over 700 districts are under emergency, with roads damaged and at least 68 deaths since December. The government has declared a state of emergency and is fast-tracking funding for infrastructure repairs.
Experts are monitoring a high likelihood of a strong El Niño developing this summer, which could lead to record global temperatures in 2027. The phenomenon may cause extreme weather events worldwide, including droughts and heavy rainfall, with a 62% chance of a super El Niño persisting into the end of the year.
Temperatures are rising across multiple regions, driven by ongoing climate patterns. Spain, Brazil, and North America are experiencing above-average heat, with forecasts indicating these trends will continue. A potential super-strength El Niño is contributing to global warming, impacting weather patterns worldwide. This story is current as of Mon, 20 Apr 2026.
Europe has recorded its hottest year on record in 2025, with widespread heatwaves, wildfires, drought and melting glaciers. The WMO and EU scientists warn the trend is linked to human-caused warming and El Niño, underscoring an urgent push to accelerate decarbonisation and adaptation across the continent.