La Niña is expected to end by mid-2026, says US agency
The US NOAA reports a 60% chance that the La Niña climate phenomenon will conclude between February and April 2026, potentially leading to a period of climate stability.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States has stated that La Niña, a climate phenomenon that leads to cooler global temperatures, is expected to conclude by mid-2026. According to their recent report, there is a 60% probability that La Niña will end between February and April of that year. This development marks a significant shift in the global climate pattern since the current La Niña event began in October 2022 and has persisted for four months.
As La Niña comes to an end, NOAA anticipates that the Earth will transition into a period of climate neutrality, expected to last until the end of the Southern Hemisphere's winter, with a 56% chance of such stability. This neutral climate phase occurs when ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific return to average levels, lifting the dramatic cooling effects of La Niña and allowing for more typical weather patterns to emerge. In contrast to La Niña, its counterpart, El Niño, is characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the same region.
The conclusion of La Niña could have far-reaching implications for global weather patterns and climate stability. Scientists focus on these phenomena due to their significant impact on agricultural productivity, water availability, and general climate activity across various regions. Understanding the transition to a neutral phase can aid in better predicting and managing the effects of climate change, as well as helping governments and organizations prepare for upcoming shifts in climate behavior.