The United Nations weather agency forecast a moderate or possibly strong El Nino that could drive up global temperatures and increase the risk of extreme weather in 2026. Experts said the El Nino, a natural warming cycle, should further heat a globe already warming from fossil fuel pollution and will likely turbocharge extreme weather across the planet. Meteorologists forecast it will rival — or exceed — a record El Nino that began in 1997 and helped trigger billions of dollars in damage from heat waves, floods, droughts, tornadoes and wildfires.The World Health Organization (WHO) said that over 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded in Europe since June 21 in connection with the record-breaking heatwave roasting much of the continent. India Meteorological Department (IMD), said on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) that rainfall in July — the most important of the monsoon months — will be “below normal” or less than 94% of what is usual for the month. India’s current monsoon deficit is 40%.Photo:
A woman plays with her dog at Prospect Park amid a heatwave in New York City, U.S. on July 1, 2026. Tens of millions of Americans sweltered under furnace-like temperatures on July 2 as central and eastern cities hunkered down for a heat wave set to last through the July 4 holiday weekend.Photo:
