UK Public Urged to Stockpile Food for El Niño

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle has urged the British public to stock up on food and supplies in preparation for potential national emergencies, citing the approach of an exceptionally strong El Niño weather phenomenon. The advice, issued in early September 2026, encourages households to have enough provisions to last a few days without power or water. The El Niño event, originating in the tropical eastern Pacific, is forecast to be the largest in centuries, possibly even a millennium. While it typically increases the risk of drought in tropical regions, southern Africa, and Australia, its predicted impact on the United Kingdom includes wetter winters and more extreme storms during autumn and early winter. These conditions could lead to disruptions such as power cuts, flooding, and transport issues, potentially making it difficult to access shops for a short period. Dame Angela Eagle stated that the public should take the phenomenon seriously, explaining that having a store of food can significantly improve resilience during emergencies.