Record Wildfires Across Africa and Asia in 2026 Driven by Climate Change and El Niño — WWA Report

Overview Scientists from World Weather Attribution warned on 12 May 2026 that the 2024‑2026 fire season is already surpassing previous records. The rapid onset of fires in Africa and Asia is being amplified by a strong El Niño pattern expected later this month. Key Developments From January to April 2026, more than 150 million hectares of land have burned worldwide – a 20 % increase over the previous record. In Africa alone, 85 million hectares have been lost, 23 % higher than the prior peak of 69 million hectares. Asia’s fire footprint stands at 44 million hectares , nearly 40 % above the 2014 benchmark, with India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and China most affected. Imperial College London expert Mr. Theodore Keeping highlighted the role of unusually wet seasons creating abundant grass fuel, which later dried out to fuel savannah fires. Projected El Niño could intensify heat and drought in Australia, Canada, the United States and the Amazon, raising the likelihood of “the highest extreme‑fire risk in recent history”. Important Facts The surge in fire activity is linked to a rapid swing from “extremely wet” to “extremely dry” conditions. Heavy rains in the preceding growing season produced abundant grass, which became dry fuel under soaring temperatures. The climate change backdrop, combined with a strong El Niño , is expected to push temperature records higher this year. UPSC Relevance Understanding the interplay between climate change and natural climate oscillations like El Niño is crucial for GS‑3 (Environment) questions on disaster management, mitigation, and international cooperation. The role of research bodies such as World Weather Attribution and academic institutions like Imperial College London illustrates the importance of scientific advisory mechanisms in shaping climate policy. Way Forward Policymakers should strengthen early‑warning systems, promote fire‑break creation, and invest in community‑based forest management, especially in high‑risk zones of Africa and Asia. International collaboration to monitor El Niño impacts, coupled with robust climate‑change mitigation strategies, will be essential to curb the frequency and severity of future wildfires . The World Meteorological Organization and the UN agency have already flagged the risk of unprecedented weather extremes; coordinated action now can reduce loss of life, biodiversity, and economic assets.