El Niño intensifies, NOAA sees 75% chance of record event since 1950

NOAA data shows Equatorial Pacific waters warmed 2.1°C in September, with peak heating expected through February, giving a 75% probability of surpassing historical records. The event is projected to have systemic economic impacts, though the full extent remains uncertain. This is a developing climate phenomenon with broad implications for agriculture, energy, and inflation.