A heatwave is building once again across Europe. At the same time, the El Niño weather phenonmenon has formed over the eastern Pacific. Is there a link?

Despite some reports, the answer to this question is a resounding no. Although the onset of the El Niño phenomenon has now been officially confirmed, its effects are essentially limited to regions in and around the Pacific Ocean.

This is particularly noticeable in South America and South-East Asia. As a result, increased flooding, heatwaves and droughts are expected there in the coming months. But in California and parts of Mexico, too, the weather could literally go haywire due to El Niño.

In contrast, the heatwave currently sweeping across south-western Europe has nothing to do with El Niño. Rather, a summer "heat dome" has formed over Spain, which is now slowly spreading towards Central Europe.

In fact, the heat in Spain and France is likely to intensify even further as the weekend approaches: maximum temperatures of around 40 °C, or even higher, are expected there.

Learn more about El Niño and the El Niño Southern Oscillation.