Climate Expert Warns “Super El Niño” Could Drive Record Heat in Türkiye

(MENAFN) A developing climate pattern associated with El Niño conditions could intensify into what experts describe as a “super El Niño,” potentially driving extreme temperature increases across Türkiye beginning in late summer and continuing into autumn.

A climate scientist and director at a major university research center on climate policy said that temperatures are expected to rank among the three warmest years on record during the first part of the summer. However, he noted that conditions are likely to intensify further later in the season, with record-breaking heat expected after late July.

According to his assessment, late July could mark a turning point where temperatures begin to surpass previous historical highs, with projections suggesting that the year could ultimately become the warmest on record.

Global temperature data from European climate monitoring systems indicate that surface air temperatures have remained consistently above long-term averages in recent months, reinforcing an ongoing global warming trend. Recent monthly records show that multiple months across late 2025 and early 2026 ranked among the warmest ever observed for their respective periods.

The expert also pointed out that recent seasonal patterns in Türkiye have been unusual, with winters showing reduced snowfall and limited rainfall in several regions. He noted that such conditions have become more common over the past decade and a half.

Although some rainfall improvement was observed in parts of the broader region in March, including areas affected by drought, water storage levels in Türkiye have not fully returned to previous averages.

Overall, temperatures have continued to rise since early spring, with current conditions remaining higher than both recent multi-year averages and longer-term climate baselines, indicating sustained warming pressure in the region.

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