Record El Niño brings Pacific temperatures 4C above normal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:24 · Archive

Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have reached 4C above normal, the Japan Meteorological Agency revealed. This is the highest reading in records going back to 1949, marking a record-breaking El Niño event.

The so-called 'Godzilla' El Niño is raising concerns among scientists and governments worldwide over fears it will trigger natural disasters and extreme weather. Britain and much of Europe should escape the worst of the impact, as El Niños typically have stronger effects on weather patterns in India, East Asia, South America and parts of Africa.

However, the UK Government has warned that Britons may face higher prices for foods like rice and coffee if harvests are badly affected, while energy bills could also spike. Tim Stockdale, principal scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said the science indicates there is a 'greater likelihood' of more extreme weather in the coming months, though Britain's 'more variable' weather makes prediction harder. The El Niño is expected to peak in December and last through February 2027.

How it is being reported

• Extreme winter weather 'more likely' in London as world facing Godzilla El Niño 'stress like we've seen before'Warning comes as sea surface temperatures in Pacific Ocean are recorded at 4C above normalEvening Standard · 10 Oct, 06:00
• Weather-roiling El Nino hits record strength, Japan weather agency saysSea temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean were 4C above normal as of September, the highest in records going back to 1949, the JMA said.The Japan Times · 9 Oct, 12:55

In this story: Japan Meteorological Agency · Pacific Ocean · Britain · UK · European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts · Tim Stockdale

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem