Strong El Niño Set to Intensify Global Weather Risks: WMO

A heavy storm in the United States.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that a strong El Niño climate pattern is expected to intensify from next month, potentially triggering major weather disruptions across the globe.

According to WMO’s latest monthly global seasonal climate update, El Niño is forecast to strengthen between August and October, bringing above-normal temperatures worldwide, heavier rainfall in some regions and increased drought risks in others.

The UN weather agency said seasonal sea surface temperature anomalies in key monitoring regions are expected to exceed 2.9°C, indicating a powerful El Niño event.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the phenomenon is emerging as the world is already experiencing extreme heat, devastating wildfires and record ocean temperatures.

“El Niño is strengthening, adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires and record hot seas,” he said, warning that continued fossil fuel use is worsening climate risks.

Guterres urged countries to accelerate the shift away from coal, oil and gas, saying further dependence on fossil fuels would create a more dangerous future.

WMO said the developing El Niño comes amid unprecedented ocean warming and rising global temperatures. The agency is strengthening coordination, climate information services and early warning systems to help governments, humanitarian organisations and climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and health prepare for possible impacts.

“El Niño is one of the most closely monitored climate phenomena in the world, but forecasts in themselves do not prevent hazards, people do,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

She said governments and communities still have an opportunity to take early action, adding that timely climate information can help reduce risks and protect vulnerable populations.