El Niño pushes central Pacific SST past 30°C, historic first

Sea surface temperature in the Niño 3.4 region exceeded 30°C for the first time on record, signaling an exceptionally strong El Niño. The anomaly implies heightened risk of global weather disruptions, including droughts and floods, and potential upward pressure on food and energy prices. The claim is based on a single source and requires corroboration from major climate agencies.