El Niño Returns, Threatens Global Weather Chaos

A new El Niño event has begun, and scientists warn it will have major effects on weather worldwide. The phenomenon occurs every few years when a part of the tropical Pacific Ocean gets unusually warm. This changes how air moves around the planet, disrupting normal weather patterns. Kevin Trenberth, a climate scientist, explained the situation in an interview with public radio’s *Living on Earth*. He stated that the 2026 El Niño is now active and will bring “big consequences.” These include heavier rain in some regions and severe droughts in others. The warming of the ocean surface in the Pacific shifts the jet stream, which guides storms. This can lead to floods in parts of the Americas and Asia, while other areas may face heat waves and water shortages. Experts are monitoring the event closely. The full impact will depend on how strong the El Niño becomes in the coming months.