Super El Niño Expected to Intensify to Record Levels, Heightening Global Extreme Weather Risks

A super El Niño is projected to intensify to record levels by December 2026, with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasting sea surface temperatures in the monitoring region to rise 3.7 degrees Celsius above normal, surpassing the 2015-2016 record. This intensification is expected to bring increased risks of extreme weather events globally, including heavier precipitation and warmer winters with potential sharp cold spells, as observed in Korea's recent record downpours. Bolivia has already declared a national emergency due to severe drought conditions, resulting in over 70,000 cattle deaths.