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INTERMEDIATE
El Niño Could Become One of the Strongest on Record
The UK Met Office has warned that a developing El Niño weather pattern could become the strongest in living memory. El Niño is a natural climate event that happens when parts of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual.
According to the latest forecast, sea temperatures in the eastern Pacific could rise by more than 3°C later this year. A typical El Niño usually causes a rise of about 1°C to 2°C.
A strong El Niño can have an impact on weather around the world. It can bring unusual rainfall to some regions while causing droughts in others. These changes can also affect agriculture and threaten crops in countries that depend heavily on farming.
The Met Office also said that 2027 was very likely to become the world’s warmest year on record, replacing 2024.
Scientists are closely monitoring the situation because a major El Niño could influence weather conditions, food production, and temperatures in many parts of the world.
📚 Words
El Niño — a natural warming of Pacific Ocean waters that affects global weather
rise — increase in amount, level, or temperature
impact — a strong effect on something
crops — plants grown for food or other products
monitor — watch and check something carefully over time
Source: Reuters, August 21, 2026. Read the Reuters report
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