The effects of this record-breaking El Niño are expected to vary globally. Typical impacts include droughts in Indonesia and Australia, flooding in parts of South America, and altered weather patterns across the globe (CNN, 2026-08-13). In the U.S., the phenomenon could lead to wetter conditions in California and the southern states, while parts of the Midwest may experience milder and drier winters. The combination of El Niño and ongoing global warming could exacerbate heatwaves and other climate-related disasters. NOAA cautions that while the event increases the likelihood of these impacts, they are not guaranteed in all affected regions.