El Niño is a natural climate pattern that repeats every two to seven years. It usually lasts about one year. During an El Niño the normal east‑to‑west winds across the Pacific become weak. Because of the weak winds, warm water moves eastward. The heat leaves the ocean and warms the air, making the world hotter and changing rain patterns. The deep ocean is also unusually warm this time, giving the event extra power.

The weather changes have already begun. India’s summer monsoon is much weaker than usual. The Atlantic has produced only three named storms so far. The Met Office predicts 2027 will likely be the warmest year. Britain may see a wet, stormy autumn, while Australia could face a drought, and Peru, Ecuador and the southern United States may have floods. Forecasters also expect more snow than normal in California and Nevada.