UN Warns of Potential Strong El Niño as Global Weather Risks Rise

The United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a warning that a strong El Niño weather pattern could develop later this year, heightening the risk of extreme weather events across many regions of the world.

The alert comes amid continued warming of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, a key indicator closely monitored by climate scientists. According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), current oceanic conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for the emergence of an El Niño event.

Climate experts caution that the phenomenon could trigger widespread disruptions, including severe droughts, flooding, heatwaves and other weather-related extremes, with potentially significant impacts on agriculture, water resources and livelihoods.

WMO climate expert Alvaro Silva urged governments and disaster management agencies to take advantage of the remaining preparation window by strengthening early warning systems and enhancing resilience measures, particularly in regions vulnerable to drought and climate-related shocks.

The WMO projects that the El Niño pattern could reach its peak between November 2026 and February 2027, with its influence on global weather conditions expected to persist well into the months that follow.

The warning underscores the growing need for proactive climate preparedness as nations work to mitigate the potential social and economic impacts of increasingly volatile weather patterns.

By Witness A Phiri