UN warns world to brace for potentially strongest El Niño yet

The United Nations and its World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have issued a urgent warning for the world to prepare for the imminent return of El Niño, a climate pattern with a high probability of emerging between June and August 2026 and persisting through November. While models indicate it will be at least moderate, some scientists suggest this event could be among the strongest on record.

This developing El Niño is anticipated to cause widespread extreme weather phenomena, including above-average temperatures globally, exacerbated droughts, severe rainfall, and intense heatwaves. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that this El Niño will further intensify the effects of a warming world, with impacts expected to be more severe and far-reaching. Countries are urged to bolster early warning systems and preparedness measures to mitigate the devastating consequences.

The last significant El Niño, occurring in 2023-24, was one of the five most powerful recorded and played a role in making 2024 the hottest year on record. Although climate change does not necessarily increase the frequency of El Niño events, a warmer planet can amplify the associated impacts, making the upcoming period particularly concerning.