New Actor: Study Projects 451,000 Heat Deaths From El Niño

As many as 451,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide are projected by the end of February 2027 from the current El Niño. The estimate counts deaths above what would be expected in an average year during this period, tallied between June and late February in some analyses and from September through February in others.

The heaviest increases are expected in poorer countries, with Nigeria, India and several Southeast Asian countries facing the largest rises. India could see about 15,800 extra heat deaths over the next six months, including roughly 7,400 between December and February.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources