The current El Niño phenomenon is entering an even more intense phase, assuming in 2026 unique and historical characteristics. This intensification is due to temperature anomalies on the surface of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific waters, which have been increasing significantly.
The ECMWF weekly forecasts for early October 2026 indicate that sea surface temperatures will reach exceptional levels. In the eastern Pacific, Niño 1+2 region, an anomaly of 5.64°C above average is forecast, while in the central Pacific, Niño 3.4 zone, the expected value is 3.55°C, both historical records.
This situation represents an unprecedented milestone in monitoring this climate phenomenon, with data from the Climate Reanalyser confirming very warm anomalies in the equatorial Pacific since August 28, 2026.
