Science2026 Hasn’t Broken Heat Records Yet, but El Niño Is Forecast to Raise Temperatures

Wildfires, deadly heat waves over cities and record-warm oceans are affecting different parts of the globe. A strengthening super El Niño makes 2026 feel as though it could become the hottest year on record. So far, however, the year ranks only third in the record books. The forecast suggests that may change soon, as El Niño is expected to drive temperatures higher.