"Supersized" El Niño's harshest weather still ahead, including extreme heat, drought, floods, U.N. warns

September 3, 2026 / 12:38 PM EDT / CBS News

"Supersized" El Niño's harshest weather still ahead, including extreme heat, drought, floods, U.N. warns

TL;DR

  • A "supersized" El Niño is forecast to intensify significantly in the coming months.
  • The event is expected to fuel extreme weather globally, including heat, drought, and flooding.
  • The World Meteorological Organization predicts El Niño will become "very strong" and last through early 2027.
  • Oceans are already warmer than usual, potentially amplifying El Niño's effects.
  • Impacts will include above-normal temperatures across the Earth and altered rainfall patterns.
  • The World Health Organization has launched a campaign to improve forecasts and early warning systems.