Super El Niño: Several African Countries Among Those Most Exposed to Deadly Heat

A Climate Impact Lab report from the University of Chicago estimates that Super El Niño could cause 451,000 additional heat-related deaths between June 2026 and February 2027, including 239,000 from September through February. Nigeria is projected to record 31,400 deaths, followed by Sudan with 17,600, Niger with 10,000 and Chad with 8,000; the Sahel could see 66,800 deaths. Researchers forecast land temperatures around 1.2°C above normal and recommend measures including heat alerts, cooling centers and stronger worker protections. The estimates have not yet been peer-reviewed.