El Niño 2026 ongoing
An El Niño event is under way. It began in AMJ 2026 and the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) has reached +2.5 °C so far (ASO 2026), a very strong level.
StartAMJ 2026Apr–Jun
Endongoing
Duration7 months5 seasons
Peak ONI+2.5 °CASO 2026
Average ONI+1.75 °Cduring the episode
StrengthVery strong#2 / 23
ONI before, during and after El Niño 2026
Season by season
| Season | Year | ONI | Niño 3.4 temp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMJ Apr–Jun | 2026 | +0.9 °C | 28.74 °C |
| MJJ May–Jul | 2026 | +1.4 °C | 29.02 °C |
| JJA Jun–Aug | 2026 | +1.8 °C | 29.09 °C |
| JAS Jul–Sep | 2026 | +2.2 °C | 29.12 °C |
| ASO Aug–Oct | 2026 | +2.5 °C | 29.23 °C |
Compare with other episodes
Frequently asked questions
When did El Niño 2026 start and end?
It started in AMJ 2026 and is still under way.
How strong was El Niño 2026?
Its peak ONI was +2.5 °C (ASO 2026), classified as very strong. It ranks #2 among 23 El Niño episodes since 1950.
Episodes are computed from NOAA's Oceanic Niño Index (ERSSTv5) with the standard rule: five or more consecutive overlapping seasons at or beyond ±0.5 °C. Free to cite with a link to elninoforecast.com.