El Niño is a climate pattern affecting weather across the globe. It is linked to unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific that occur every 2-7 years. It typically lasts about a year and can push global temperatures higher in the year following.
In the UK, impacts can lag behind the event itself, but they can cause colder winters. During the summer, warmer-than-normal air from Europe can move north, making the UK’s hot spells warmer.
The World Meteorological Organisation has reported it expects an El Niño event during June to August 2026, which may continue until at least November 2026.
Food imports already face increased pressure due to climate change and military conflicts. El Niño can exacerbate heat stress on the agricultural workers cultivating products and cause damage to the crops themselves.
Homegrown domestic products are less likely to be harmed. The effect varies by region and crop, but there is a chance that food producers will see changes to yields and harvests.
Keep an eye on Four Season Fruiterers social and website for more seasonal and timely news on agriculture, imports and all things fruit and veg.
Franco and the team
Four Season Fruiterers