> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 600 Scientists Warn of Super El Niño Threat - URL: https://barna.news/600-scientists-warn-of-super-el-nino/ - Published: 2026-10-20T16:40:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-20T16:40:52.000Z - Description: More than 600 scientists urge immediate action to prepare for extreme weather linked to the 2026–2027 Super El Niño in Catalonia. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: environment ## Scientists Demand Urgent Preparedness Over 600 scientists across Spain have issued a joint call for urgent preventive measures ahead of a predicted 'Super El Niño' event, warning that Catalonia has approximately eight months to prepare for extreme weather including prolonged droughts, intense heatwaves, and severe storms. The phenomenon, also referred to as a 'Godzilla El Niño', is expected to significantly disrupt climate patterns globally, with particular risks for southern Europe. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Meteorological Organization, the current El Niño developing in the tropical Pacific could become one of the strongest on record. Carbon Brief reports that 91% of 667 climate model runs project this event will surpass the intensity of the previous record-breaking El Niño in 2016. ## Climate Thresholds and Regional Risks Antonio Turiel, researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences of the CSIC, warned that global temperatures could temporarily reach 2°C above pre-industrial levels during this cycle, a threshold that could bring peak temperatures close to 50°C on the Iberian Peninsula. September 2026 saw global average temperatures at 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels, according to Copernicus, and further warming is expected. A warmer Mediterranean Sea increases the likelihood of *dana* events, intense easterly storms that can evolve into small-scale hurricanes. These pose a high risk to coastal and inland areas in Catalonia, particularly during spring and summer months. --- ## Food Security and Infrastructure at Risk Fernando Valladares, research professor at the CSIC, highlighted that El Niño could disrupt global food systems, reducing harvests in around 20 countries. This may lead to sharp increases in the price of staples such as rice and corn, even in Europe. The scientists stress that Catalonia’s heavy reliance on imported food makes the metropolitan area of Barcelona especially vulnerable to transport disruptions caused by extreme weather. The open letter calls on governments to establish strategic reserves of food, medicine, and essential goods. It also demands reinforcement of critical infrastructure, including power grids, water supply systems, hospitals, and communication networks, to remain functional during emergencies. ## Call for Public Awareness and Emergency Planning Jordi Solé, climate researcher at the CSIC and IPCC reviewer, emphasized the need to strengthen early warning systems and launch a public information campaign. He stated that an assessment of climate-vulnerable infrastructure must begin immediately, as 2027 is projected to be significantly more challenging. Scientists are urging authorities to develop specific response plans for heatwaves, droughts, floods, and power outages. They also call for the creation of effective climate shelters and public education on climate risks. > We will surely get a taste of it during the spring, but what is truly complicated begins in the summer. And we have eight months from now. The scientists stress that uncertainty must not delay action. While the exact timing and location of extreme events cannot be predicted with precision, the overall trajectory demands immediate preparedness. --- *Primary sources:* [*columbia.edu*](https://www.columbia.edu/%7Ejeh1/mailings/2026/ElNino.2026.02.06.pdf?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by 3cat.cat, carbonbrief.org, interactive.carbonbrief.org, 3CatInfo Barcelona.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Updated: Barcelona Faces Heavy Rain Alerts This Weekend](https://barna.news/barcelona-faces-heavy-rain-alerts-this/) - [Barcelona Under Rain Alert: 40 Litres in 30 Minutes Expected](https://barna.news/barcelona-under-rain-alert-40-litres-in/) - [Severe Storms Forecast for Barcelona from Saturday](https://barna.news/severe-storms-forecast-for-barcelona/) - [Junts and ERC demand flood resilience plan for Barcelona](https://barna.news/junts-and-erc-demand-flood-resilience/)