El Niño Intensifies, Driving Record Global Heat
The U.N. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that El Niño is expected to strengthen between August and October 2026, exacerbating already record-breaking global heat. This phenomenon, characterized by warm waters pooling in the eastern Pacific, has historically amplified global temperatures. Recent data highlights unprecedented heatwaves across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., with Salt Lake City recording its highest-ever temperature of 109°F (42.8°C). South Korea also experienced its hottest day on record at 108.5°F (42.5°C). The intensifying El Niño is contributing to extreme weather events, including heat domes, wildfires, and marine heatwaves, further stressing ecosystems and human populations.