Super El Niño brings deadly heat

A heightened version of a natural climate pattern is triggering unusually hot temperatures worldwide, creating what scientists call a perfect storm for extreme weather.

451,000 deaths projected this year

Climate Impact Lab estimates 451,000 people will die from heat in the first half of this El Niño compared to a normal year, a staggering toll that will continue through spring 2027.

“The estimate of 451,000 people is such a large number that it can be numbing, but it is made up of parents and children, grandparents and neighbors.”

Africa, Asia, Latin America hit hardest

Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America will see the largest increase in heat-related deaths over the next six months. Nigeria, Indonesia, Sudan, India, and Brazil are the most impacted countries.

Emergency action can save lives now

Governments and humanitarian organizations can deploy heat warnings, cooling centers, hydration stations, and expanded health capacity to protect vulnerable populations in the coming months.

“This report allows decision makers to see exactly where emergency actions can be taken now to save tens of thousands of lives.”

A preview of our future

Climate Impact Lab warns this El Niño is a postcard from our future, as today's extreme temperatures will become normal within 20 years, making constant emergency response unsustainable.

“20 years from now, once today's extreme temperatures become the new normal, we don't want to be in a constant state of emergency.”