AU Commissioner Vilakati warned that 2026/2027 El Niño event is projected to be the strongest since 1950. On Thursday, the African Union (AU) Commission called on its members to step up preparedness for the expected 2026/2027 El Niño events, which could trigger droughts, floods, food insecurity and economic losses across Africa. “2026/2027 El Niño event is projected to be the strongest since 1950. That big yellow band (about 4°C above normal) that's forming is one of the visible signs of the growing Mega El Niño. Although it originates thousands of miles from Africa, El Niño alters global atmospheric circulation, shifting rainfall patterns and temperatures across much of the continent.