El Niño 2026: Global Potato Supply at Risk Due to Climate Variability
The El Niño climate phenomenon, part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) system, is expected to emerge between May and July 2026 with a 60–70% probability, persisting through the end of the year. This transition follows a recent La Niña phase and is anticipated to bring significant climate variability. El Niño events often lead to extreme weather patterns, including droughts, heatwaves, and excessive rainfall, which can disrupt agricultural systems globally. Potatoes, a climate-sensitive crop, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. High temperatures and water stress can reduce yields, while excessive rainfall increases the risk of fungal diseases like late blight. Major potato-producing regions in Asia, Europe, and the Americas may experience desynchronized impacts, with some areas facing drought and others dealing with flooding. These disruptions could lead to global supply imbalances and strain the potato supply chain. 
