The oceanic phenomenon known as El Niño has officially begun, according to U.S. weather forecasters. Meteorologists warn it could become the strongest of the century and drive extreme weather that disrupts agriculture worldwide.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed the start of El Niño conditions. Trade winds have slowed, shifting warm water eastward across the Pacific and setting the stage for unusual weather patterns.
This event is expected to peak around December or January. A very strong phase is likely, with some scientists referring to it as a super El Niño, though the World Meteorological Organization has rejected that term.
Impacts will vary by region. India faces a weaker monsoon that may cut rice yields, southern Africa could see reduced maize output, and the southern United States may experience flooding. These effects add pressure on farmers already dealing with higher fertilizer costs linked to the Iran War.
Scientists note that interactions with ongoing climate change could alter which areas suffer most from droughts or heavy rain. Historical precedents, such as the severe 1877 event, show how such patterns have previously contributed to widespread food insecurity.