Global Fire Outbreak: Africa And Asia Witness Sharp Surge In Fires | WION Climate Tracker

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]But, climate change is real, and its global impact seems terrifying.

[00:00:04]Wildfires across the world have surged to record levels in 2026.

[00:00:09]Scientists say worsening heat and the return of El Nino conditions could intensify the crisis even further in the months ahead. The severe impact of global warming is visible in shifting global climate patterns. From Africa and Asia to parts of North America, vast stretches of land have already burned this year. Underlying impact of climate change on global fire patterns, the World Meteorological Organization expects El Nino conditions to emerge from May, increasing the likelihood of droughts, heat waves, and further wildfire outbreaks globally.

[00:00:45]According to data compiled by World Weather Attribution, more than 150 million hectares have burned globally between January and April this year.

[00:00:54]Africa has recorded the largest area affected with nearly 85 million hectares burned so far, whereas Asia has also experienced severe fire activity. Around 44 million hectares have burned across the region, exceeding the previous 2014 record by roughly 40%. El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon characterized by warming sea surface temperatures in Pacific Ocean, occurs every two to seven years and triggers global weather shifts. Last month, the World Meteorological Organization said El Nino weather conditions are likely to start in May. The UN agency warns it could cause droughts in Australia, Indonesia, and parts of Southern Asia, as well as flooding in other regions, and may further drive up temperatures.