Scientists say El Niño has officially started, increasing the likelihood of unusually warm global conditions over the coming months. Multiple reports note that El Niño develops when warming in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean strengthens atmospheric patterns that can shift weather worldwide. Researchers caution that the timing of El Niño’s growth can influence the magnitude of its impact, but they warn that it may contribute to higher average temperatures globally compared with recent years. Several outlets link the onset of El Niño to expectations for very warm—potentially record—years, explaining that El Niño often boosts heat by affecting ocean and atmospheric circulation. The reporting also emphasizes that climate change remains a central driver of long-term warming, meaning El Niño’s effects can occur on top of already elevated baseline temperatures. While the strength of El Niño and its regional impacts can vary, scientists generally agree that the start of the event is a notable factor for temperature forecasts and heat-related risks worldwide in the near term.