El Niño 75% Likely to Be Most Intense Since 1950; Waters 1.8°C Above Normal

Forecasters project a 75% probability that the ongoing El Niño will become the most intense since 1950, with key-region sea surface temperatures already 1.8°C above normal and potentially exceeding 2.5°C, which would set a record. The event is developing and could trigger severe weather disruptions globally, including droughts and floods, with implications for agriculture, energy demand, and inflation. Uncertainty remains over the exact peak intensity and duration.