El Niño has begun, scientists say, and could bring record heat

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared that El Niño conditions are now under way in the tropical Pacific, with sea surface temperatures having risen sharply. Forecasts suggest a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño during November-January, ranking among the largest events since 1950. Coming on top of human-caused warming, it could bring another record-hot year, most likely in 2027, with disruptions to weather, food supplies and economies.