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NOAA Warns 2026–27 El Niño Could Hit 4°C

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

NOAA reports a record-strong 2026-27 El Niño rapidly raising Pacific sea-surface temperatures.
Sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific reached 2.6 °C above normal in early August.
Projections show temperatures could hit 4 °C above normal, a 60 % increase over the old record.
UN World Food Programme estimates nearly 50 million people could face acute hunger by year-end.
Health officials warn heightened risk of hantavirus, West Nile virus and cyclospora as temperatures rise.

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Story summary

NOAA reports a record-strong 2026-27 El Niño rapidly raising Pacific sea-surface temperatures.
Sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific reached 2.6 °C above normal in early August.
Projections show temperatures could hit 4 °C above normal, a 60 % increase over the old record.
UN World Food Programme estimates nearly 50 million people could face acute hunger by year-end.
Health officials warn heightened risk of hantavirus, West Nile virus and cyclospora as temperatures rise.