London. The British capital, London, is experiencing two distinct and devastating weather patterns simultaneously, with both heat and cold reaching extremes. On one hand, the devastating impact of Super El Niño is leading to record-breaking temperatures globally, while on the other hand, meteorologists have warned of Arctic-like cold in London this winter due to the weakening of the polar vortex. This extraordinary situation reflects the profound imbalance of climate change.
Super El Niño's Outbreak and Rising Deaths
This El Niño, a process of extreme warming of the Pacific Ocean, has emerged as the most powerful Super El Niño since 1950. As a result, global temperatures have risen unexpectedly. It is estimated that more than 450,000 people could die due to the extreme heatwave across the world between June 2026 and February 2027. In the United Kingdom alone, approximately 2,700 deaths were recorded due to extreme heat during May and June 2026, most of which were directly linked to climate change.
Weakening of the Polar Vortex and Severe Cold
The main reason for the severe cold in London is the weakening of the polar vortex over the Arctic region. Under normal circumstances, this polar vortex keeps icy winds confined to the North Pole. However, if it weakens or disintegrates, these extremely cold winds begin to flow southward. Scientists believe that this time the polar vortex is extremely likely to break, which could pose a serious crisis for Britain.
Increasing Risk to London and Socio-Economic Reasons
According to various studies, London residents are at the highest risk of death from both extreme heat and cold compared to other areas of England. Between 1988 and 2025, London recorded a 0.36 percent rate of heat-related deaths and a 0.88 percent rate of cold-related deaths, the highest in the country. This is attributed to socioeconomic factors such as high living costs, dense population, and lack of adequate air conditioning. Weather experts have warned that 2027 could be the hottest year on record.