The United Nations’ weather agency has warned governments and humanitarian organisations to prepare for an increase in extreme weather events as El Niño is expected to strengthen rapidly in the coming months.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said El Niño conditions are already in place and are forecast to intensify between July and September, increasing the likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and marine heatwaves across many parts of the world. The climate pattern typically reaches its peak between November and February.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said early warning systems and seasonal climate forecasts are essential to help governments protect vulnerable communities, farmers and economies from the impacts of extreme weather.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that warms surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, altering global weather patterns. It usually occurs every two to seven years and lasts between nine and 12 months, alternating with its opposite phase, La Niña.
The WMO also reported that global ocean temperatures reached a record high in June, partly driven by El Niño. The previous El Niño contributed to making 2023 the second-hottest year on record, while 2024 became the warmest year ever recorded, with global temperatures about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.
