Scientists and US weather agencies say El Niño has officially started. NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and related forecasts declare the climate pattern is underway, with expectations that it may strengthen significantly during the coming months. Multiple outlets report that this year’s El Niño is being assessed as likely to become unusually powerful, with Live Science citing NOAA’s estimate that there is a 63% chance it will “rank among the largest El Niño events” in the historical record since 1950.
Other coverage describes the event as a potential “super El Niño,” terminology used by forecasters to indicate a stronger-than-usual version of the phenomenon. The Climate Prediction Center and the National Weather Service are referenced for the official start and for communicating potential impacts. Across sources, the likely consequences discussed include increased risk of extreme weather and major shifts in rainfall and temperature patterns. NBC News highlights expectations for heat, drought, and flooding, while additional reporting notes that models and experts anticipate global temperatures could reach record highs during the event.
Overall, the reporting centers on the official onset and the forecasted strength, with emphasis on possible worldwide weather impacts as El Niño develops.
