The United Nations World Meteorological Organization has warned of a possibly strong El Niño event that could intensify extreme weather globally.
The warning follows data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showing warming sea surface temperatures in the Niño region of the Pacific Ocean since January. Anomalies close to 0.5 degrees Centigrade have appeared since June 2026.
WMO official Alvaro Silva said the intensity of El Niño increases the likelihood of extreme weather and climate events worldwide on top of long-term climate change. He urged regions prone to drought, such as South Africa, to act now to secure water supplies.
The WMO and partners predict temperatures in the region will continue rising from July to September, peaking between November 2026 and February 2027. Effects on weather are expected several months after the peak.