Kathmandu. In 2026, the world could face another major heat wave. According to meteorologists, the El Niño phenomenon developing in the Pacific Ocean could be very powerful this time. So strong that it could become the strongest since the 19th century. This could further increase the world’s average temperature. That could make 2026 or 2027 the hottest year on record.
During El Niño, the ocean waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean are warmer than normal. Sea surface temperatures are expected to be around 3°C above normal this time. According to scientists, a moderately strong El Niño usually raises the temperature by about 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.
El Niño is a natural weather cycle. Which happens every few years. When ocean water warms, it releases more heat into the atmosphere. This changes wind and precipitation patterns. This affects the weather in different countries around the world.
During a strong El Niño, temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean are 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal. An increase of 2 degrees is also considered important. However, this time the temperature is expected to rise to around 3 degrees Celsius.
Previously, in 1982. 83, 1997. 98 and 2015. There was a very strong El Niños on May 16. This time, the forecast is even bigger. “I’ve never seen such a strong El Niño signal in my forecasts before,” said Adam Scaife, a scientist at the UK Met Office. ’
El Niño changes normal ocean and air patterns. The impact is not uniform across the board. More rain and flooding may occur in some areas. While others may experience less precipitation and more heat.
This strong El Niño could make 2026 the hottest year on record. However, 2027 is also more likely to be the hottest year on record. This is because the effect of sea warming from El Niño on the Earth’s temperature appears to be greater over time.
Temperature records were also set during powerful El Niño events in 1998 and 2016. However, climate change has already warmed the Earth. So this El Niño phenomenon can push temperatures even higher.
Scientists predict that by 2027, the global average temperature could remain 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for some time. If these predictions come true, the impact of El Niño on both global temperature and weather could be clearly seen in the future. –Agency
