A soft-bodied cephalopod of the order Octopoda
El Niño has strengthened and is likely to peak as the strongest on record, with potential to push global temperatures higher into 2027. Forecasts warn of hotter years ahead, increased weather extremes, and regional impacts, including droughts and floods, while Atlantic Niña patterns could curb tropical storms.
The UK’s seas are experiencing an extreme marine heatwave, with temperatures averaging 2C above normal and pockets 4–5C hotter. The pattern follows a Europe-wide heat dome, and global sea surfaces have topped records for the time of year. Scientists warn of mass-mortality risks for marine life and shifts in species distribution.