What happens when one of the strongest El Niños in modern history begins developing on an already warmer planet?

In this episode of The Climate Translation, Dr. Mac follows the rapid development of the 2026 El Niño, from the warm water that accumulated during La Niña to the unusual tropical cyclone activity and westerly wind bursts that helped push that heat eastward across the Pacific. He explains why forecasters now believe the event could rival or exceed the strongest El Niños in the modern record.

The episode also looks back at the devastating 1877–78 El Niño and the global drought and famine that followed, then asks how a similar climate shock might play out in today’s interconnected world. From modern agriculture and global food trade to shifting rainfall, drought, flooding, and winte ...