El Niño 'wrecking ball' could cause record Pacific temperature rise, UN says
The World Meteorological Organization warns that an intense El Niño event is expected to drive Pacific ocean temperatures to record highs of 3.8 degrees Celsius above normal. This weather pattern is projected to cause global disruptions, including severe flooding and droughts.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events linked to El Niño pose significant risks to global food security, water supplies, and public health infrastructure.
Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
EL NIÑO. Tropical Storm Rachel and El Niño fueled Kelvin waves pound the boardwalk in Long Beach, California, US, on October 10, 2026.
The El Niño weather pattern is expected to cause a record rise in ocean temperatures, with predictions of a 3.8 degrees Celsius increase in the central Pacific between November and January. This event will likely lead to extreme weather conditions globally, including floods in southern Africa and droughts in Southeast Asia, impacting agriculture and water supplies. This is AI-generated.
GENEVA, Switzerland – The El Niño weather pattern could cause a record rise in ocean temperatures in the Pacific as it barrels around the globe like a “wrecking ball,” causing floods and droughts, UN officials said on Wednesday, October 21.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in