NASA's Earth Observatory released imagery captured on October 12, 2026, showing thick gray smoke partially obscuring the Amazon River and surrounding rainforest near the cities of Manaus and Santarém, with puffy white clouds rising above the smoke.
Scientists say the region is primed to burn this year. Unlike a tornado or thunderstorm that can deliver destruction in minutes, the agency noted, El Niño exerts its influence over many months. A drought accompanying this year's El Niño event has left the rainforest unusually vulnerable to fire.
The imagery underscores how slow-building climate conditions, rather than single storm events, can set the stage for widespread burning in the world's largest tropical rainforest. Australian outlets including the Sydney Morning Herald and Brisbane Times have also flagged the Amazon wildfire as a story of international interest.