An Italian meteorologist analyzed the possible relationship between the El Niño phenomenon and the record temperatures of summer 2026 in Europe, which was characterized by the breaking of thousands of heat records. El Niño formed late and developed gradually, still being in its early stages at the beginning of summer.
According to the scientific literature cited by the specialist, the direct impact of El Niño on the European summer is statistically weak and almost imperceptible. In summer, atmospheric circulation in European latitudes is determined by regional dynamics, including Atlantic sea surface temperatures, the position of the polar jet stream, and local blocking patterns.
The meteorologist warns that considering El Niño as a remote control capable of overheating the Iberian Peninsula, the Po Valley, or the French plains constitutes a misconception. However, he acknowledges that the phenomenon exerts some indirect influence on the climate and weather of Europe, albeit weakly.
