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Masudur Rahman: April 2026 emerged as a new warning sign of climate change across the globe. With record-breaking heatwaves in South Asia on one hand, and the potential emergence of a powerful ‘El Niño’ situation in the Pacific Ocean on the other, the month collectively served as an extreme example of natural extremities.
Throughout April, temperatures significantly higher than normal were observed across South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. In India’s northwest and central regions, temperatures soared to between 44 and 47.6 degrees Celsius. All of the world’s top 50 hottest cities were located in this region. In Bangladesh, an intense heatwave in mid-April made daily life unbearable. Although a ‘Kalboishakhi’ storm and sudden hailstorms brought some relief to Delhi and its surrounding areas towards the end of the month, the overall average temperature remained a cause for concern. Doctors termed it not merely ‘weather’ but a ‘clinical concern’ or health risk.
According to data from European and American meteorological agencies, signs of an El Niño situation in the Pacific Ocean became even clearer in April 2026. Scientists fear it could develop into one of the strongest, or a ‘Super El Niño,’ in history. This could lead to an average increase in sea surface temperatures by up to 3 degrees Celsius. This warming poses a risk of making 2026 and 2027 the warmest years on record.
In April, the African continent experienced two contrasting weather patterns. Heavy rains led to floods and landslides in East African countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. Conversely, Madagascar and Angola faced severe droughts. In southern Madagascar, a lack of rainfall caused extensive crop damage and livestock deaths, threatening food security.
A study published in April revealed that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has been slowing down over the past two decades. Experts warn that the weakening of this current could bring about radical changes in rainfall patterns and storms in the North Atlantic region. In the long term, it will impact sea-level rise along the coasts of Europe and America.
An analysis of data from April 2026 indicates that global warming is no longer a future threat but a harsh present reality. Events like excessive rainfall, droughts, and extreme heatwaves are profoundly impacting our agriculture, economy, and public health. This April signals that if global consensus on controlling greenhouse gas emissions and adopting climate adaptation strategies is not reached now, the weather in the coming days could become even more formidable.