Essex could feel the effects of a developing El Niño event later this year, including warmer temperatures than recently experienced.
The Met Office has reported clear signs of El Niño forming in the tropical Pacific, although a spokesman said it is too early to predict what the effects could be for Essex or the UK.
El Niño refers to a periodic warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, which can influence global weather through changes in atmospheric circulation.
The Met Office said the current warming trends suggest this could be a “significant” event, potentially among the strongest so far this century, comparable with notable episodes such as in 1998.
The term “super El Niño,” however, is not officially used by Met Office scientists.
While El Niño is centred thousands of miles away, Met Office research shows it can impact weather globally, including in the UK, typically peaking in influence between November and February.
Grahame Madge, climate science spokesman for the Met Office, said: "The development of the El Nino in the tropical Pacific could potentially bring some impacts for the UK.
"However, the event is yet to develop and is unlikely to be formed fully before the end of the UK summer.
"Additionally, temperatures in the UK are much more closely impacted by climate change.
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"Four years ago, the UK recorded temperatures of more than 40C for the first time – climate studies show temperatures of this value can only occur because of climate change."
El Niño is just one of several large-scale drivers of UK weather, along with the Atlantic jet stream, the North Atlantic Oscillation, and ongoing climate change.
Because of these competing influences, forecasters say it remains too early to predict the precise impact of the 2026-27 El Niño on UK weather, including in Essex.
For now, Essex residents are advised to follow standard Met Office guidance and stay updated as new information emerges later in the year.
