U.S.WEEKEND WEATHER

How the 2026 Super El Niño and Climate Change Are Related

Scientists are investigating how record warm Pacific waters and climate change amplify each other to drive extreme heat and storms in 2026.

On air: Hank Ledger, Kenji Moonfield and Dale Bearman on Weekend Edition
Published 6:46 AM ET, Sunday, October 11, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Wired: “How the 2026 Super El Niño and Climate Change Are Related”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 6:46 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Hank Ledger, Kenji Moonfield and Dale Bearman.
Topics: El Niño.
BBN covered this story before: Tortoise Genome Sequenced; UK Winter Outlook Stays Murky (October 8).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWe're seeing a record-breaking El Niño develop as the planet hits new heat highs.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat is the setup this weekend, and scientists are trying to answer how the two feed each other.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThe warm water in the Pacific is already at the heart of it.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThe worry is extreme heat and storms, with climate change making the swing bigger. That is the editor's angle at Wired.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo what does that mean for a normal Sunday?
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorHotter summers, wilder storms, and a weather app that finally earns its notifications.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe comeback tour just added a record-setting season. It's selling out oceans.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSelling out oceans.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAnd nobody gets a refund.