A historic Super El Niño could have implications for winter weather across the UK and western Europe, although its exact influence remains uncertain. El Niño is back – not as a weak event, but on a scale that is making even experienced meteorologists take notice. Forecasts from the American, European and Australian weather agencies are all pointing in the same direction: we are heading towards a Super El Niño. The winter of 2015/16 also followed a Super El Niño, yet much of north-west Europe experienced a relatively mild winter. By early September, it should become clearer whether El Niño continues to strengthen or begins to lose momentum.