El Niño Expected to Be Strongest on Record, Extending Through February 2027
El Niño Expected to Be Strongest on Record, Extending Through February 2027
Nepal · Published Sep 3, 2026
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed with 100% certainty that the ongoing El Niño event will persist through February 2027, marking it as potentially the strongest on record.
Sea surface temperatures in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific have risen significantly, with the Niño 3.4 index showing anomalies of +2.0 °C in July 2026 and further increases to +2.6 °C by mid-August.

Impact & Risks

The intensifying El Niño is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events worldwide, including severe droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Vulnerable regions, particularly those already grappling with climate change impacts, face heightened risks to agriculture, water resources, and public health. Recent floods in Nepal, which claimed over 1,000 lives, underscore the potential for widespread devastation. While the strength of El Niño varies by region and season, its global impacts are undeniable, with significant implications for economies and communities. The WMO warns that without adequate preparation, the consequences could be catastrophic.

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