
The US Climate Prediction Center put the chance of El Niño developing during May-July 2026 at 82%, rising to 96% for December-February. Forecasters flagged substantial uncertainty about peak strength, with no strength category above a 37% chance.
El Niño brings a higher risk of floods and drought in many crop regions.
A higher likelihood of El Niño raises the risk of drought in Australia, Southeast Asia and India and of changing rainfall in the Americas, which supports prices for grains, oilseeds and rice.
After 1,079 past bullish weather events, Soybeans moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (54% higher; middle half -1.4% to +2.0%), and +0.9% over 20.
After 1,465 past bullish weather events, Corn moved a median +0.2% over 5 sessions (54% higher; middle half -1.4% to +1.9%), and +0.9% over 20.
After 179 past bullish weather events, Rough Rice moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (55% higher; middle half -1.4% to +2.5%), and +2.2% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.