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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Weekend Edition Sunday

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.