A powerful El Niño has arrived and could become the strongest ever recorded

Federal forecasters officially declared the arrival of the El Niño climate pattern this Thursday.

This natural phenomenon occurs when equatorial Pacific ocean temperatures rise, triggering a domino effect of weather disruptions across the globe. Scientists warn this particular event has a high chance of becoming a "Super El Niño," potentially making 2026 or 2027 the hottest years on record. Impacted regions should expect a wetter, stormier winter in the southern U.S. and California, while areas like Australia and India face increased drought risks.

The pattern is expected to strengthen through the fall and reach peak intensity during the winter months.