By Zoila Palma: El Niño is rapidly intensifying across the central Pacific Ocean, with forecasters warning that the climate phenomenon could become one of the strongest on record.
The latest forecast from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gives the developing event a 75% chance of reaching historic strength between October and December 2026 and a 97% chance of attaining “Super El Niño” status during the fall and winter.
Ocean temperatures in the central Pacific’s El Niño region have already climbed to about 1.8 degrees Celsius above average.
An El Niño is considered “Super” when temperatures remain at least 2 degrees Celsius above average for three consecutive months. NOAA expects the current event to continue strengthening through the end of the year and remain in place into early spring.
The intensifying El Niño is already producing noticeable effects on tropical weather patterns. The phenomenon typically strengthens upper-level winds and increases vertical wind shear over the Atlantic and Caribbean, conditions that can prevent tropical systems from developing or becoming stronger.
At the same time, El Niño creates more favorable conditions for tropical activity across the eastern and central Pacific.
The contrast has been particularly striking during the 2026 hurricane season. While the Atlantic has produced only five named storms and no hurricanes as the season reaches its climatological peak, the Pacific has recorded 16 named storms, including six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
Forecasters say the unusually quiet Atlantic and active Pacific are consistent with the influence of a strong El Niño.
The post International News: El Niño intensifies toward historic strength with 97% chance of super status appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: El Niño is rapidly intensifying across the central Pacific Ocean, with forecasters warning that the climate phenomenon could become one of the strongest on record. The latest forecast from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gives the developing event a 75% chance of reaching historic strength between October and December
The post International News: El Niño intensifies toward historic strength with 97% chance of super status appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.