UN Warns Record-Strong El Niño Is 'Inside the House' and Threatens Extreme Weather

U.N. officials are warning that a developing El Niño, already posting unusually high intensity readings for this stage, could amplify hazardous weather around the world. As the U.N. framed it, the climate pattern has moved beyond a warning sign and is already here: it is "inside the house." El Niño is the natural warming of Pacific Ocean waters near the equator, and it can reshape weather patterns far beyond the ocean itself. In this case, one of the main Pacific regions used to monitor El Niño has reached its highest reading this early in the event, as KSAT reported. The World Meteorological Organization said the pattern may intensify heat, drought, and heavy rainfall through next year. "Two months ago, I warned that El Niño was arriving on our doorstep. Now it is inside the house — and turning up the heat," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, per KSAT. Scientists do not expect this El Niño to peak until late fall, and it may continue into spring 2027. Many forecast models indicate it could rival or surpass the strongest event on record, although researchers say that is still uncertain. TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight ?These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all Watch now: How bad is a gas stove for your home's indoor air quality? Jeffrey Shaman, a climate scientist at Columbia University, stressed how unusual conditions already are, KSAT reported. "We're seeing something that is the warmest July ever recorded for that specific region," Shaman said. Because El Niño can shift rainfall and temperature patterns across continents, its impacts can vary dramatically by region. Some places become drier and more vulnerable to wildfire, while others face heavier rain and flooding. The World Meteorological Organization said parts of Asia, Australia, South America, and southern Africa face increased drought and wildfire risk, while other areas of North America and Europe are expected to be w