The current El Niño event, known as a “super” or “Godzilla” El Niño, is back and impacting global weather patterns while the planet faces extreme heat. North America and Europe experienced the hottest July on record, leading to heat-related deaths, droughts, and wildfires. Canada alone has witnessed over 4.1 million hectares of forests burning, creating widespread smoke in the region.

Climate scientists state that this El Niño is not directly responsible for these extreme weather events but could intensify them due to the influence of climate change. NASA’s climate scientist, Josh Willis, warns that the impacts of this El Niño will be extensive, affecting a large area and leading to significant changes in weather patterns.

El Niños occur naturally every few years, causing disruptions in weather patterns globally. The current El Niño began forming in May and June and is expected to peak in late fall and winter, affecting northern regions like Canada. The unprecedented nature of this El Niño raises concerns about its potential contribution to extreme temperatures and wildfires.

Forecasts indicate that Canada and the northern U.S. may experience a warmer winter, with British Columbia expecting reduced precipitation. The southern U.S. is likely to face a wetter winter season. The effects of El Niño are already evident in tropical regions, impacting fisheries in Peru and Ecuador and causing heavy rains and drought in various areas.

The ongoing El Niño is occurring in a world already experiencing record heat due to human-induced climate change. Climate scientists warn that this significant warming event, combined with existing climate change conditions, could lead to unpredictable outcomes. The effects of this El Niño are expected to persist well into 2027, influencing weather patterns and extreme events globally.