United Nations warns of impending El Niño weather phenomenon

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a warning that a new El Niño weather pattern is expected to emerge within weeks and potentially strengthen throughout the remainder of 2026. This phenomenon involves the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. While some national weather agencies suggest it could become one of the strongest events on record, the WMO classifies the current forecast as moderate to strong. Sea surface temperatures have risen rapidly between late April and mid-May, with subsurface heat levels recorded at over 6 degrees Celsius above average. The event is projected to persist until November, likely resulting in above-average global temperatures from June to August. Consequences of this climate shift include an increased risk of heatwaves, drought in regions such as Australia and parts of central Asia, and heavy rainfall in the southern United States, southern South America, and the Horn of Africa. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that the previous 2023-2024 El Niño contributed to making 2024 the hottest year on record.