El Niño has officially returned, and scientists warn it could push global temperatures into uncharted territory. This climate phenomenon, paired with human-caused warming, may trigger extreme weather worldwide.

KEY TAKEAWAY The last major El Niño (2016) made that year the hottest on record—until now.

KEY TAKEAWAY Ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific have already risen 1.5°C above normal, triggering the El Niño declaration.

KEY TAKEAWAY Climate models predict a 90% chance El Niño persists through early 2024, peaking in December.

KEY TAKEAWAY Food prices, wildfire risks, and coastal flooding could all spike as the phenomenon intensifies.

KEY FACT Every major El Niño since 1950 has set a new global temperature record—and 2024 is projected to follow suit.

El Niño Is Back: Why This Climate Phenomenon Could Fuel Record Heat in 2024

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