With reference to the recent El Niño event, consider the following statements: 1. Sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific have exceeded the record highs of 2015. 2. The Bureau of Meteorology is an Indian agency reporting sea-surface temperatures. 3. The WMO indicated that this heat may make 2026 and 2027 among the warmest years on record. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Unprecedented El Niño: Central Pacific sea-surface temperatures reach record highs exceeding 2015 levels

GS1History · Society · Geography· Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)· Prelims· 13 October 2026

Climate variability and ocean-atmosphere interactions: a key GS1 Geography and Environment topic.

Why in news

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology reported record-high sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific, signaling an unprecedented El Niño event exceeding 2015 levels.

Background

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported record weekly sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicated that this heat may make 2026 and 2027 among the warmest years on record.

Facts for Prelims

FactEl Niño temperatures in the central Pacific have exceeded the 2015 record highs.
BodyBureau of Meteorology (BOM) is the Australian agency reporting sea-surface temperatures.
BodyECMWF and NOAA are the agencies providing forecasts for the December peak.
BodyWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) monitors global heat records.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the recent El Niño event, consider the following statements:

Sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific have exceeded the record highs of 2015.
The Bureau of Meteorology is an Indian agency reporting sea-surface temperatures.
The WMO indicated that this heat may make 2026 and 2027 among the warmest years on record.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)3 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is an Australian agency.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the impact of unprecedented El Niño events on global climate patterns and the necessity of international cooperation in climate adaptation.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Feedback loops: Intensification of heatwaves and erratic monsoon patterns due to record-high sea-surface temperatures
Data disparity: Challenges in real-time monitoring of central Pacific temperatures for early warning systems

Keywords: El Niño · Sea-surface temperatures · Climate variability · Meteorological forecasting · Global warming

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: BBC ↗Also: GS3 · Climate change & international agreements

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