El Niño is officially here, scientists say it could become unusually strong

Meteorologists say El Niño has formed in the Pacific Ocean and may strengthen into one of the most powerful events in decades. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed the climate pattern on Thursday, noting there is a significant chance it could rank among the largest on record by late fall or early winter. El Niño is a natural warming cycle in the tropical Pacific that can influence weather around the world. Scientists say it may add to the effects of a warming planet, increasing the risk of extreme weather such as heat waves, floods, droughts, and wildfires in different regions. The impacts vary by location. It can reduce Atlantic hurricane activity while increasing storm risk in the Pacific, and it may bring wetter conditions to parts of South America and the southern United States. Other regions, including India, Australia, and parts of Africa, could face more heat, drought, or heavy rain. In Canada, El Niño often brings milder winter temperatures.