El Niño expected to become very strong and persist into 2027 as aid cuts strain response and UK faces wetter winter
The World Meteorological Organization says the current El Niño is expected to strengthen into a very strong event and is near‑certain to last through February 2027. United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres warned that the planet has entered a "danger zone of extreme weather" because of the phenomenon. Britain has reduced bilateral aid by more than 80 % in eight African states, adding pressure to humanitarian efforts.
Roughly a quarter of the United Kingdom’s imports of rice, coffee, cocoa and tropical fruit come from regions most affected by the El Niño, highlighting vulnerabilities in its food supply chain. Models for the United Kingdom indicate a higher likelihood of stormier, wetter conditions during the coming autumn and winter.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 36h later
- Coverage peaked at 8 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The combined threats of intensified weather, strained aid and potential disruptions to food imports could affect daily life and food prices for people worldwide.
How this story developed
- Aug 31 UN warns that a record-breaking El Niño could trigger worldwide extreme weather
- Sep 3 Temperatures will rise to around 27 °C in parts of southern England on Sunday, while rain and wind are expected to return early next week.
- Sep 3 UN says the El Niño is expected to remain in place until February 2027.
- Sep 5 Czech forecasts include a possible rapid temperature rise to around 30 °C early next week.
- Sep 7 Britain announced cuts of more than 80 % to bilateral aid in eight African states.
- Sep 7 UK models show a higher likelihood of stormier, wetter conditions during autumn and winter.
- Sep 9 A brief spell of 27‑28 °C heat is expected in southeast England on Sunday.
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