Weather scientists say the world may be witnessing the most powerful El NiƱo event in more than seventy years. Colombia’s Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) reports that the odds of this cycle becoming the strongest since record-keeping began in 1950 climbed to 75% during the final quarter of 2026.
The agency also found that the chance of El NiƱo reaching “very strong” intensityāboth in that same period and in the opening months of 2027ānow exceeds 90%. El NiƱo is a natural climate pattern in which unusually warm ocean water in the tropical Pacific disrupts weather worldwide, often bringing drought to some regions and heavy rains to others.
Adding to the concern, the World Meteorological Organization estimates there is nearly a 100% probability that the phenomenon will persist through February 2027. Forecasters warn that such a prolonged, intense episode could strain water supplies, threaten public health, and disrupt agricultural production across affected regions, including Colombia, where officials have already noted stark contrasts between unusually cold and unusually hot zones as the climate shifts.
IDEAM continues to monitor the situation closely, urging authorities to prepare for potential water shortages and crop losses in the months ahead. You can read the full report from El Tiempo for more details on the forecast and its implications.
Source: FenĆ³meno de El NiƱo se sigue fortaleciendo: probabilidad de que sea el mĆ”s fuerte de la historia llega al 75 % (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: Ken Lund, BY-SA 2.0 (via Openverse).