Meteorologists warn that in 2026 the climate phenomenon El Niño will return with a high probability, which will strengthen in the second half of the year and may affect the weather until the winter of 2026/2027. The latest long-term models indicate that it will not be a short-term episode, but a significant phenomenon capable of disrupting customary weather patterns throughout the northern hemisphere, the portal writes.
Signals of an approaching El Niño are already visible in the Pacific Ocean, where the weakening La Niña is receding and warm water is accumulating below the surface. This development was the harbinger of strong El Niño phenomena in the past. Forecasts by renowned meteorological centers expect El Niño to fully develop in the summer of 2026 and reach its peak during the winter.
For Europe, this mainly means significantly unstable weather. The north and north-west of the continent may be affected more often by cold air intrusions, while in Central Europe (Slovakia) a rapid alternation of mild periods with sudden cooling is expected. It is these changes that increase the probability of snowfall, even in lower elevations, where the winter has been rather mild in recent years.
The south and south-east of Europe can be surprised by El Niño with winter storms and snow where there is usually rain. Although this is an average picture based on past events, experts warn that the winters of 2026 and 2027 may bring more extremes, rapid changes in weather and the return of a more pronounced winter character even to areas that have almost gotten used to it.
