US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially declared the start of El Niño conditions. The announcement follows sustained increases in sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean over recent months. This climate pattern is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño can significantly impact global weather patterns, potentially leading to disruptions in rainfall and temperature across numerous regions. NOAA will continue to monitor the development and intensity of El Niño, providing updated forecasts as the event evolves. The agency’s assessment is based on observations and model predictions, signaling a shift in the Pacific climate system.