BBC Weather

New data indicates the current El Niño is the strongest ever recorded, driving a major shift in global weather patterns. The development is expected to bring hotter temperatures, droughts in some regions and heavy rainfall in others, with scientists warning of widespread consequences for agriculture, water supplies and extreme weather events across the globe in the months ahead.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, with qualifying and race coverage drawing attention across major outlets. Live blogs from The Guardian and schedule guides from the BBC are tracking UK times and weather, while PlanetF1 asks who is best set for success at the flowing, storm-prone track. Formula 1 coverage also notes Kimi Antonelli saying George Russell has momentum heading into the weekend.

The BBC has published a list of foods to stock up on in case supply chains are disrupted by extreme weather or global conflicts. Commentators note the guidance resembles the British government's early 1980s 'Protect and Survive' civil defence booklet, though with healthier food suggestions. The advice has reignited debate about preparedness and rising global instability.

A rare tornado has swept through a small town in Australia, causing damage that is being widely reported. Footage shared by BBC News shows the funnel whipping through the community, an unusual event for the country. Weather watchers are discussing how uncommon tornadoes are in Australia and the impact on residents.

BBC World Service's The Climate Question podcast is examining whether the planet is approaching a 'point of no return' on climate change. The episode is drawing large audiences globally, reflecting continued public concern about tipping points such as ice sheet collapse and ecosystem loss, and how close scientists believe the world may be to irreversible warming thresholds.

A cold snap is expected to reach the UK this week, with forecasters warning that temperatures will fall noticeably as autumn conditions take hold. BBC Weather says the drop will bring a clear seasonal shift after recent milder weather. People are being advised to prepare for cooler mornings and evenings as the chill settles in.

The BBC Weather team examines whether a developing El Niño could sharply reduce Atlantic hurricane activity this year. El Niño conditions typically increase wind shear over the tropical Atlantic, which can tear storms apart before they strengthen, potentially leading to a quieter season. Forecasters caution that it does not guarantee no hurricanes will form.

The BBC World Service's Climate Question podcast is examining whether humanity can actually cool the planet back down, exploring climate intervention ideas such as cutting emissions fast enough to reverse warming trends. The episode is drawing large audiences worldwide as extreme weather and record temperatures keep the question of reversing, not just slowing, climate change at the centre of public debate.

Britain is on course for one of its warmest years on record after an exceptionally warm September, according to BBC Weather. The mild autumn month has pushed 2025's running temperature totals towards historic highs, adding to a string of recent years marked by unusual heat across the country.