El Niño 2026: Tokyo Records 35 Days Of Rain As Chile’s Atacama Desert Bursts Into Bloom

October 12, 2026: A strong El Niño, a natural climate event that affects weather worldwide, is causing extreme conditions. Regions like Chile’s Atacama Desert and Japan’s Tokyo are experiencing unusual weather. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that El Niño has brought both heavy rain and rare blooms. In Chile, the Atacama Desert, known for its dryness, has seen a rare floral explosion.

Heavy rains in September triggered millions of seeds and bulbs of around 200 flower species to bloom, covering vast areas with violet flowers. Tourists were amazed by the sight, as the usually barren landscape transformed dramatically. Meanwhile, Tokyo recorded 35 consecutive days of rain, the longest such spell since 1886. This prolonged rainfall disrupted daily life, affecting tourism and causing rising vegetable prices.

Central Tokyo received nearly three times its usual rainfall in September, with just 45.8 hours of sunshine, the second-lowest on record. El Niño is a warm ocean temperature phenomenon that started in South America in the 1600s. It disrupts fishing activities and brings heavy rainfall and storms. The current event is among the strongest recorded since 1950 and is expected to continue until February 2027.