With global water temperatures hitting a record high, this year may see 'super' El Niño

NPR | By Lauren Sommer,

Ayesha Rascoe

Published August 30, 2026 at 8:51 AM EDT

Warming ocean waters are teeing up a particularly strong El Niño weather pattern.

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Lauren Sommer

Lauren Sommer covers climate change for NPR's Climate Desk.

Ayesha Rascoe

Ayesha Rascoe is the host of Weekend Edition Sunday and the Saturday episodes of Up First.