UN Warns of 'Off the Charts' El Niño, Poised to Be Strongest in Decades
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning about the intensifying El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to reach 'very strong' levels in the coming months and persist into early
• This naturally occurring climate pattern, characterized by warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is already showing signs of intensification. According to the WMO, there is a nearly 100% likelihood that El Niño will continue through February 2027, marking the highest level of certainty ever expressed in an El Niño/La Niña update. The phenomenon is expected to peak by the end of 2026, with its effects lingering into
Impact & Risks
The intensifying El Niño is expected to exacerbate global weather extremes, including severe droughts, floods, and extreme heat. Regions such as the Amazon, Indonesia, and Australia may experience significant drought, while monsoon patterns in India could be disrupted. The phenomenon is also likely to lead to above-normal temperatures across most land areas from September to November 2026. The WMO has warned that the impacts of this 'exceptional' El Niño could severely affect communities and economies worldwide, particularly in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, healthcare, energy, and water management. The warming of the oceans is also expected to contribute to record-breaking global temperatures in 2027.
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