The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the El Niño climate phenomenon is developing rapidly and is expected to reach a strong intensity between July and September 2026.
Key points
- The WMO projects that sea-surface temperature anomalies in key Pacific monitoring regions will exceed 2 degrees Celsius.
- The phenomenon is expected to increase the global probability of heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall through the Northern Hemisphere autumn.
- Peruvian authorities have declared a state of emergency in nearly 800 municipalities to prepare for potential flooding and landslides.
- The WMO emphasizes that while climate change does not necessarily increase El Niño's frequency, it can amplify its associated impacts.
Why it matters
The strengthening of El Niño poses significant risks to global food security, public health, and infrastructure, necessitating urgent preparedness and early warning measures.
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