Scientists predict a sharp increase in mortality from climate anomalies in 2026-2027

Scientists predict a sharp increase in mortality due to climate anomalies in 2026-2027

Due to the Super El Niño climate phenomenon, more than 450,000 people could die worldwide between September 2026 and February 2027.

This was reported by "The Guardian", citing a study by scientists.

According to researchers' estimates, 451,000 people could die worldwide due to heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods associated with El Niño. The most severe consequences are expected in tropical countries, including Nigeria, Indonesia, Sudan, India, and Brazil, as well as in the Sahel region, Southeast Asia, and the US. At the same time, experts believe that increased mortality from abnormal heat will persist even longer — until June or July 2027.

The forecasts were prepared using peer-reviewed methods that track the monthly relationship between temperature and excess heat deaths in 24,378 regions worldwide. This data was compared with temperature increase forecasts due to El Niño for the coming months, using the average monthly number of heat deaths for the period from 1996 to 2025.

Scientists emphasize that such calculations allow for the rapid identification of regions where protective measures must be urgently taken. Among the possible solutions, experts suggest establishing cooling centers, increasing the number of medical facility staff during peak load periods, and introducing additional protective measures for people working outdoors.

The natural phenomenon El Niño causes the warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean, leading to severe heatwaves, torrential rains, droughts, and other climate anomalies across the planet.