A terrifying new weather phenomenon gets a name; Consequences expected to be catastrophic

After 2024 broke all records and became the hottest year in recorded history, experts fear that 2026 could bring even more devastating droughts, floods, and more extreme heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Last year was the third warmest on record, despite the La Niña climate phenomenon, which typically has a cooling effect. The decade between 2015 and 2025 was the warmest since 1850, when temperature measurements began, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations stated.

This year could break all records

According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2025 was only marginally cooler—by 0.01°C—than 2023, and 0.13°C cooler than 2024, which was the hottest year ever recorded.

However, 2026 could break that record.

Climate models indicate the possible development of a very strong El Niño—potentially the strongest so far. Because of this, the terms “super El Niño” or even “Godzilla El Niño” are increasingly being used.

“Current forecasts show that the tropical Pacific is warming faster than at any time in this century. Something unusual is happening,” warned Adam Scaife of the UK Met Office.

We are facing a potentially extremely hot summer, according to current projections, so extreme that Japanese experts, lacking a strong enough word, have coined a new one—“Kokushobi,” which translates roughly as cruel, severe, or intense heat.

What is “Godzilla El Niño” and why is the world concerned about it

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon representing the warm phase of the ENSO system (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) and is associated with a sudden warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Scientists note that it has influenced the planet’s climate for hundreds of millions of years and typically lasts between 9 and 12 months, raising global temperatures by around 0.2°C.

Its opposite phase is La Niña, when ocean temperatures in the same region cool down.

El Niño officially begins when sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific rise at least 0.5°C above average. However, if that increase exceeds 2°C, experts refer to it as a devastating, very strong, or “super El Niño.”

The last time such a phenomenon was recorded was in 2015–2016, which led to global temperature records, the formation of extreme hurricanes, and severe water shortages worldwide.

Severe consequences: droughts, floods, and billions in damage

The scale of destruction this climate phenomenon can cause is best illustrated by historical data. During the “super El Niño” of 1982–1983, sea temperatures in the eastern Pacific were an incredible 12.8°C above normal.

The consequences were dramatic across the globe:

• Severe and devastating droughts in Australia
• Catastrophic floods in Chile
• Powerful storms on the U.S. west coast
• Typhoons in Tahiti and a sharp decline in fish catches

 

The toll of this event was tragic—more than 2,000 people died, around 610,000 were left homeless, and total economic damage was estimated at over $13 billion. El Niño in 1997–1998 also brought severe droughts to Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as floods in China and Peru.

What kind of weather Europe and the Balkans can expect
Unlike the Americas and Asia, which are directly affected, El Niño’s impact on Europe is indirect.

According to existing climate research, northern Europe may experience significantly colder and drier conditions toward the end of winter. In contrast, the Mediterranean region, including the Balkans, is expected to face warmer and wetter conditions.

According to forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), there is a high probability of the development of a moderate to strong El Niño as early as the beginning of summer.

What awaits Serbia this summer?

Meteorologist Ivan Ristić has announced a similar pattern for Serbia, noting that the country will experience a gradual transition from spring to summer, with significant rainfall during May, while July and August are expected to bring extreme heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Latest reports from the World Meteorological Organization also indicate that the calm period is over and that we are entering a phase of extreme weather fluctuations under the influence of El Niño.

“A clearer picture will emerge at the end of spring”

Climatologist Sara Ivasić from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) emphasizes that a clearer assessment of the phenomenon’s strength will be available by the end of spring, as forecasts between March and May are less reliable.

EPA/SALAS