09/19/2026
SCAN NEWS NETWORK | EL NIÑO 2026–2027
A serious 2026–2027 El Niño is developing, and communities and humanitarian organizations across parts of Southern and Eastern Africa are preparing for potentially difficult conditions ahead.
WHAT IS EL NIÑO?
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs when waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become unusually warm.
Although it begins thousands of miles away, that warming can disrupt weather patterns around the world—changing where and when rain falls and increasing the likelihood of drought, extreme heat, heavy rainfall, or flooding in different regions.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that the current El Niño is established and expected to become very strong, with impacts extending into 2027.
For communities that depend heavily on rainfall to grow food, even one poor rainy season can have serious consequences.
THE NUMBERS ARE ALREADY CONCERNING
One example of the growing concern can be seen in Zambia.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), approximately 698,000 people are currently experiencing Crisis-level or worse acute food insecurity.
During the October 2026–March 2027 lean season, that number is projected to rise to more than 1.2 million people.
Anticipated El Niño conditions are among several factors contributing to the risk, alongside poverty, crop pests and diseases, and economic pressures.
WHAT DOES “ACUTE FOOD INSECURITY” MEAN?
In simple terms, acute food insecurity means families do not have reliable access to enough food to meet their basic needs.
At more serious levels, families may begin skipping meals, reducing portions, selling important belongings, taking children out of school, or using other emergency measures simply to survive.
It is important to understand that acute food insecurity does not automatically mean famine. Famine is an extreme classification that requires specific conditions to be met.
But the warning signs matter.
If rainfall decreases, crops fail, food prices rise, or water becomes scarce, families already struggling can be pushed into much more dangerous conditions.
WHY SAVING CHILDREN ACROSS NATIONS IS PAYING ATTENTION
For Saving Children Across Nations, this is more than a weather story.
Behind every number is a child.
When crops fail, children don't simply experience hunger. The effects can reach their health, nutrition, education, access to clean water, safety, and future.
Remote villages can be particularly vulnerable because families may depend heavily on local agriculture and have fewer resources available when something goes wrong.
Humanitarian work cannot always begin after the emergency.
We must pay attention early.
We must prepare early.
And whenever possible, we must protect children before an emergency becomes a tragedy.
As the 2026–2027 El Niño continues to develop, SCAN News Network will continue following conditions affecting children, families, and vulnerable communities across Africa.
Awareness matters.
Preparation matters.
Early action can save lives.
Saving Children Across Nations (SCAN)
Grab a hand. Save a soul.
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