Global warming is not just a future issue but a real crisis unfolding in the summer of 2026 as the "El Niño" phenomenon returns with super-level intensity, pushing worldwide temperatures to record highs. Thailand faces a significant test with both drought and smoke pollution.
El Niño is a natural phenomenon caused by weakening "trade winds" in the Pacific Ocean, leading warm sea water to flow back eastward (toward the rainy season side of the Americas) instead of westward (Asia) as usual. This shift causes a massive buildup of heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Scientists state that 2026 represents a "crisis convergence" of two main factors: the return of super El Niño with sea surface temperatures exceeding averages by 2 degrees Celsius, rapidly releasing accumulated heat into the atmosphere.
The accumulated global warming, caused by human-produced greenhouse gases, already raises the Earth's baseline temperature. When combined with El Niño, it acts as an accelerator pushing temperatures beyond previous limits.
Many areas in Thailand may experience temperatures reaching 45-48 degrees Celsius in April, potentially setting new heat records.
Delayed rains and drought during this period, with reservoir levels dropping, will directly impact agriculture, especially rice and sugarcane crops. Meanwhile, worsening PM2.5 pollution will arise as dry conditions increase wildfire risk and poor ventilation causes toxic dust to concentrate more than in previous years.
A major concern is public health during this extreme El Niño period. Self-care is critical—not only monitoring warning signs like high fever without sweating, nausea, or heat cramps but also carrying modern "cooling items" that immediately lower body temperature, essential for urban dwellers and outdoor workers.
Prepare before leaving home with a checklist of symptoms to watch for and cooling devices suitable for this record-breaking global heat era. Read more at Checklist of symptoms to watch and essential cooling items to carry during the El Niño-dominated era