El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of next year

The United States recorded its hottest month ever in July 2026, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature across the contiguous 48 states, excluding Alaska, Hawaii and overseas territories, was 76.9°F (24.9°C), surpassing the previous record set in July 1936. This makes July 2026 the warmest month of any kind in NOAA’s 132-year record. The temperature was 3.3°F higher than the 20th-century average, marking a dramatic departure from historical norms. The heat wave swept across much of the nation, with above-average temperatures reported in the interior West, Southwest, Rockies, northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast also experienced unseasonably high temperatures. Wyoming stood out as it recorded its warmest July and warmest month on record, with temperatures 5.1°F above the long-term average. This surpassed its previous July record from 2007 by 0.9°F. Other notable months among the five warmest on record include July 2012, July 2006 and July 2022, reflecting a consistent upward trend in temperatures linked to human-induced climate change. The extreme heat was exacerbated by factors such as the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which began in June and is expected to reach its peak later this year. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group noted that the heat wave that gripped the eastern United States in July would have been “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change. The El Niño pattern, which warms the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, altered wind and pressure systems, contributing to prolonged periods of intense heat. Additionally, record-warm sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific shifted tropical storm formation patterns, distorting the jet stream and trapping hot air over the western U.S. The combination of heat and arid conditions led to heightened wildfire risks. Much of the western U.S. has faced abnormal dryness for multiple years, creating tinderbox conditions. Wildfires spread rapidly under these circumstances, impacting communities and ecosystems. The situation was further complicated by the presence of a powerful El Niño, which increases the likelihood of extreme weather events such as heat waves and heavy rainfall. These conditions are expected to worsen as the El Niño reaches its peak, potentially leading to even more severe consequences. Beyond the U.S., the effects of the extreme heat were felt globally. Western Europe experienced its hottest June, July on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. The combined average temperature for the region was 21.62°C (71°F), breaking the previous record set in 2022. This reflects the persistent nature of the heat, with conditions worsening compared to the last major drought in the region. Soil moisture levels were significantly lower than in July 2022, underscoring the growing intensity of heat extremes. Countries such as France, Spain, Austria, Hungary, the UK, Ireland and parts of Iceland faced severe drought conditions, with river flows dropping to historically low levels. The impact of the heat extended to maritime areas as well. Global average sea surface temperatures in July 2026 reached a new record, with readings of 20.96°C (70°F), surpassing the previous record from 2023. The developing El Niño is believed to be a key driver behind these rising temperatures, alongside the broader effects of climate change. The Mediterranean and Atlantic regions saw unusually warm waters, but the tropical Pacific remains the primary contributor to the current warming trend. Scientists warn that the upcoming El Niño could push global temperatures to unprecedented levels, potentially making 2027 the warmest year on record. As the globe continues to grapple with the escalating impacts of climate change, the events of July 2026 serve as a stark reminder of the scale and urgency of the crisis. With both regional and global temperature records being shattered, the need for immediate and sustained action to mitigate further warming has never been more critical.