WASHINGTON: More than 451,000 excess deaths worldwide could occur by February 2027 as the intensity of a potentially powerful Super El Niño increases, according to a new report by climate experts and scientists.
The report warns that an intensifying Super El Niño could drive an unusually sharp rise in global temperatures, exposing millions of people to extreme heat.
According to the report, global land temperatures could average 1.2 degrees Celsius above normal during the Super El Niño period, while the number of extremely hot days worldwide is expected to increase by 44%.
Experts estimate that more than 451,000 excess deaths could occur from extreme heat during the six-month period from September 2026 to February 2027.
The report also provides country-specific estimates. Nigeria could record an estimated 31,400 excess deaths, followed by Indonesia with 19,300 and Sudan with 17,600. An estimated 15,800 additional deaths are projected for India, while the figure for the United States is estimated at 3,500.
Climate experts have warned that the effects of a Super El Niño may extend beyond extreme heat, potentially increasing the risks of severe droughts, widespread wildfires and devastating floods around the world.
