- Labour MP Chris Hinchliff has said the UK should be prepared for an "super-El Niño" climate event that could severely impact global food supplies and economies.
- An El Niño is a phenomenon where surface water temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean become much warmer than normal - with a super El Niño being an extreme version of this.
- Writing to Andy Burnham, Hinchliff - North East Hertfordshire MP since 2024 - said action was needed through the Climate and Nature Security Taskforce to improve national resilience to extreme weather.
- The World Meteorological Organisation warned the strengthening El Niño system could raise global temperatures and increase the risk of droughts and extreme rainfall, with experts warning of a very wet UK winter with frequent storms and flooding.
- It comes as experts warn the super El Niño is continuing to strengthen across the tropical Pacific, with the latest ocean and atmospheric data indicating it is accelerating.
