finance
El Niño May Become Strongest Since 1950, Climate Center Says
The U.S. Climate Prediction Center reported that sea-surface temperatures at least 1°C above normal have spread across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. The agency assigned an 81% chance the event ranks among the largest on record since 1950 and a 97% chance it persists through early spring 2027.
Jul 9, 6:50 PM·1m read1 source
ZeroHedgeAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The U.S. Climate Prediction Center stated that sea-surface temperatures at least 1°C above normal have spread across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Some areas reached 2.7°C above normal last week. The agency assigned an 81% chance the current El Niño becomes very strong and ranks among the largest since 1950.
Sachs commodities research analyst Lina Thomas noted that the top three exporting countries account for 60-90% of global trade in soybeans, corn, rice, sugar, and palm oil. She stated that this concentration leaves markets exposed to localized weather, geopolitical, or policy shocks.
Thomas added that even modest disruptions can prompt export restrictions or higher biofuel mandates, which may reduce exportable supply more than the original production loss. She listed three near-term concerns: El Niño-related weather in key rice and biofuel regions, higher energy prices that could increase biofuel mandates, and potential fertilizer supply issues tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
Transparency
How sources framed this
Single source — no framing comparison available.
CorroborationLimited · 1 source
