Super El Niño Expected to Intensify, Impacting Global Weather and Food Prices
Super El Niño Expected to Intensify, Impacting Global Weather and Food Prices
ID · Published Sep 8, 2026
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed a near 100% likelihood that El Niño conditions will persist through February 2027, with the potential to become one of the strongest events on record (Newsweek, 2026). The U.S. Climate Prediction Center estimates a 69% chance that this El Niño could surpass the strength of previous events since
The phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is already causing disruptions, including droughts, floods, and forest fires in regions like Indonesia. Experts warn that the intensifying El Niño, combined with global conflicts and shipping disruptions, is driving up food prices worldwide. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that global food prices in August 2026 reached their highest levels since 2022, with further increases expected as the climate pattern worsens.

Impact & Risks

The intensifying El Niño is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events globally, including severe droughts, floods, and wildfires. Key agricultural regions, such as Southeast Asia and South America, are already experiencing reduced crop yields and supply chain disruptions. Forest fires in Indonesia, fueled by El Niño, have significantly impacted palm oil production, causing a 24% price increase since the start of 2026. The Middle East is facing fertilizer shortages due to a blockade in the Hormuz Strait, which could lead to lower crop yields and tighter food supplies into 2027. Additionally, disruptions in the Black Sea region, caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, have driven global wheat prices up by 15% year-over-year, further straining food security.

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