A research report, published on Wednesday by the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab, projects that the unusually strong El Nino event could lead to more than 450,000 additional heat-related deaths over the next six months, running to February 2027. The heaviest toll is expected in poorer countries, particularly Africa’s Sahel region, with Nigeria projected to have the highest single-country toll at 31,400 deaths. Researchers estimate global land temperatures could climb by about 1.2 degrees Celsius, with extremely hot days 44 percent more frequent than in an average year. This year’s El Nino began developing in June and is expected to be one of the strongest ever, with its dangers potentially lingering into mid-2027.