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Disaster · Extreme weather · Impact 2 Notable

Strongest El Niño on record continues to intensify, affecting weather worldwide

· ≈ Pacific Ocean · single source so far

A BBC analysis says the strongest El Niño on record is still intensifying, and it reviews the weather impacts already being felt across the globe.

Location
≈ Pacific Ocean
Coordinates
≈ 5.00°S 140.00°W
Reported
19 Oct 2026, 23:08 UTC
Category
Disaster · Extreme weather
Impact
2 of 5 · Notable
Situation
Climate extremes
See it on the live globe → BBC Science & Environment ↗

Climate extremes right now

■ Steady

Study finds record 50,000 heat deaths in European cities this summer

Researchers estimate heat killed 50,000 people in European cities from June to August, with about 32,000 extra deaths attributed to added warming. Rates were highest in Malta, Italy and Hungary. Separately, UN officials said El Niño could cause a record rise in Pacific Ocean temperatures, and UN nature advisers warned of widespread coral reef risk.

  • UN officials compared El Niño to a "wrecking ball" circling the globe, bringing floods and droughts.
  • A UN nature advisers' assessment finds global heating endangers 96% of coral reefs across more than 80 countries.
  • About 24% of reefs are already critically endangered.
Updated 24 Oct 2026, 15:59 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.

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