According to a new WFP report, there is an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño developing, with sea surface temperatures at their highest levels since at least 1982, potentially making it the strongest event since 1950. Central America and Southern Africa Most at RiskAs reported in Reuters, the WFP said Central America and Southern Africa are expected to be among the hardest-hit regions. Southern Africa, along with South America and the Caribbean, could each see more than 12 million additional people fall into acute food insecurity. Bauer noted that global food markets entered the current El Niño period in a relatively strong position following good harvests in 2025. Although previous El Niño events have not generally caused major global food price spikes, regional shortages and higher prices could make it even harder for vulnerable households to access food.