Science After a year and a half of La Niña conditions, it looks like we could end up with an El Niño later this year. And early models suggest it could be a strong one, which could push global temperatures to record highs. It's still early in terms of predictions, but a strong El Niño seems likely, experts say Listen to this article Estimated 6 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. This map plots areas of sea surface temperature that are higher (red) or lower (blue) than normal. The large red 'tongue' that extends west from South America is part of the characteristic pattern of warming associated with El Niño. This particular map, from 2016, shows one of the strongest El Niños on record. (NOAA) After a year and a half of La Niña conditions, it looks like we could end up with an El Niño later this year.…