Brief
Scientist says ‘Godzilla’ El Niño boosts risk of extreme winter weather in London
The unprecedented El Niño, expected to peak in December, may make London’s winter wetter and windier, while the UK government flags possible price spikes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A record‑breaking El Niño, dubbed “Godzilla” by scientists, is raising the likelihood of extreme weather in London this winter, a leading climate expert said.
What happened
The El Niño is forecast to peak in December and persist through February 2027. The scientist, identified as Mr Stockdale, said the event creates a “greater likelihood” of more extreme weather in the coming months. He expects the first part of winter to be milder, wetter and windier, which could help recharge water supplies after a drought. Later winter conditions are described as “more complex” and less certain.
What the reports add
Mr Stockdale highlighted that Pacific sea‑surface temperatures are “warmer than they have ever been before” and that the current El Niño is “as big as we’ve ever had”, occurring alongside ongoing global warming. He noted that scientists and meteorologists are “very nervous” about the unprecedented combination.
What was said
“There’s an expectation of the first part of the winter being milder, wetter and windier,” Mr Stockdale told Standard.
“Later winter is a more complex story… the probabilities are there,” he added.
How it came about
The warning follows earlier Felo News coverage of the same El Niño, which described it as the strongest since at least 1950 and noted a weakened polar vortex that could allow cold air to spill south later in the season. The UK government has warned that disrupted harvests could push up prices for staples such as rice and coffee, and that energy bills may also rise.
Key facts
- The ‘Godzilla’ El Niño is expected to peak in December and last through February 2027. (standard.co.uk)
- Scientist Mr Stockdale says early winter will likely be milder, wetter and windier. (standard.co.uk)
- UK officials warn higher food prices and possible energy‑bill spikes if harvests are affected. (standard.co.uk)
- Pacific sea‑surface temperatures are at record highs, making this El Niño unprecedented. (standard.co.uk)
- Scientists are “very nervous” about the combination of a strong El Niño and ongoing global warming. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Extreme winter weather 'more likely' in London as Godzilla El Niño intensifies”
