U.S. meteorologists have officially confirmed the arrival of the El Niño weather pattern. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports conditions developed last month, characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Niño is known to contribute to rising global temperatures and is often associated with both drought and flooding in various regions worldwide. The declaration signals a potential for significant climate impacts in the coming months. NOAA will continue to monitor the phenomenon’s development and provide further forecasts. This event follows several years of La Niña conditions, which generally have a cooling effect on global temperatures. The return to El Niño is expected to exacerbate existing warming trends.