A new Climate Impact Lab assessment ties this year’s strong El Nif0 and record heat to as many as 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally from mid-2026 to early 2027, with the heaviest burden in poorer regions.

The study combines El Ni0-driven temperature forecasts with regional mortality estimates to compare current heat against three decades of trends and forecast the near-term risk.

Experts urge proactive measures to save lives, including improved heat forecasts, cooling centers, expanded medical staffing during peak heat, and stronger protections for outdoor workers.

Markets may be underpricing food inflation risk, and a rapid shift in consensus could alter bond-market behavior and pricing.