This summer isn't breaking heat records -- yet. Wait until El Nino kicks in, scientists say

Scientists warn that while 2026 is not yet the hottest year on record, a strengthening El Niño combined with human-caused global warming could push it to surpass 2024 by year-end. Current data shows 2026 as the third-hottest year, with 2027 likely to break records further. Rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves are accelerating global warming impacts.