The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published its new global seasonal climate update report, announcing that El Niño conditions have formed in the tropical Pacific and are expected to strengthen rapidly in the coming months.
According to the report, a strong El Niño is forecast to develop during the July-September 2026 period. A steady increase in sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific is highlighted.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said El Niño conditions have already formed and are expected to rapidly become a strong phenomenon. "This will increase the likelihood of drought and extreme rainfall in many parts of the world, as well as the risk of heatwaves on land and at sea," Saulo said.
The organization launched an unprecedented mobilization, coordinated at the UN level and with regional structures, to support climate-sensitive sectors, governments and humanitarian organizations. "Improved seasonal forecasts and early warning systems are vital to save lives and mitigate impacts on economies and societies," Saulo added.
The equatorial Atlantic basin is also expected to remain generally warmer than average.
What are El Niño and La Niña?
El Niño is a weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean that leads to rising global temperatures, especially in coastal regions.
La Niña is the opposite phenomenon, meaning cooler weather conditions for the planet. During the transition between the two, neutral, or natural, weather conditions prevail.
