Translated with AI
Climate scientists predict that 2026 could be one of the hottest years on record due to the expected intensification of global warming. The first three months of the year have already ranked among the top four warmest, despite the influence of the La Niña phenomenon, which typically moderates temperature increases. Meanwhile, the Arctic has recorded record-low sea ice levels, according to Euronews.
Carbon Brief, a climate analytics resource that specializes in climate change research and scientific data analysis, predicts, based on information from five scientific groups, that 2026 will almost certainly be among the top four warmest years on record. There's also a high probability that it will be the second warmest. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the year, and their peak may occur in late autumn and winter, when climate processes typically intensify.
The main reason for this, according to scientists, will be a powerful temperature fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean – the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to form by autumn and intensify global warming.
Researchers predict that sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean will exceed normal levels by more than 2°C. This level is classified as a "super El Niño" and could have a significant impact on climate conditions worldwide.
Experts say such changes could lead to serious consequences, including droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events in various regions of the planet.
According to climate models, the probability that 2026 will set a new temperature record is almost 20%. Scientists also emphasize that the impact of this phenomenon could continue into 2027, especially if the El Niño proves strong and prolonged.
