El Nino set to be most intense ‘for over a century’: UK forecasters
UK forecasters at the Met Office warn that the 2026 El Nino event is expected to be the most intense in over a century, with sea surface temperatures projected to rise by 3C. This unprecedented warming is predicted to exacerbate global extreme weather, including droughts and wildfires.
Why it matters
Extreme climate events have significant implications for global food security, migration, and disaster management infrastructure.
Met Office predicts ‘unprecedented’ sea surface temperature rise of 3C (5.4F) plus will heighten extreme weather risks.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Rudiyansah, 16, wears a Superman costume while extinguishing a fire at a wildfire-affected area in Central Kalimantan province, Indonesia, August 14, 2026. [Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 21 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 The impact of this year’s El Nino event is expected to be the most intense in more than a century, United Kingdom forecasters have warned.
The effect of the event will drive the risk of drought, high temperatures, intense rainfall and other extreme weather effects, the Met Office said in a statement issued on Friday.
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