The El Niño weather phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm ocean currents in the tropical Pacific, has a 50% to 60% chance of developing between July and September, potentially leading to record global temperatures. This natural climate pattern, known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), influences weather worldwide by altering ocean temperatures and wind patterns. The last El Niño event in 2023-2024 contributed to 2023 being the second hottest year and 2024 the all-time hottest. Experts suggest that if El Niño forms this year, 2026 could become another record-breaking year, with its full impact potentially felt in 2027 due to atmospheric reaction time. Meanwhile, the recent La Niña episode, which ended in a neutral phase, did not prevent 2025 from being the third hottest year on record.