The United Nations has warned that the rapidly strengthening El Niño climate pattern could push global temperatures even higher in the coming months, increasing the likelihood and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and floods. The organization said the effects of El Niño are compounding the already intensifying impacts of human-induced climate change.
The warning was reported on Friday by Al Jazeera, citing the latest assessment by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
According to the WMO, sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean are rising rapidly, indicating that El Niño is continuing to strengthen. The agency warned that the phenomenon is likely to disrupt normal weather patterns worldwide in the months ahead, increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
The report comes as authorities across parts of Africa and Europe continue to battle major wildfires, while South Asia is experiencing widespread flooding and severe disruption caused by heavy rainfall.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said El Niño is no longer a future threat but a present reality already affecting the global climate.
“El Niño is no longer at the door—it has entered the house,” Guterres said, warning that it is driving global temperatures even higher. “This is only the beginning. Its impacts could become even more severe and further aggravate conditions in regions already under intense climate stress.”
The WMO said sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific could rise to around 2.9 degrees Celsius above average, a level that could significantly influence global weather systems and contribute to above-normal temperatures across much of the world’s landmass.
Guterres also stressed that the combined effects of El Niño and human-induced climate change are intensifying the global climate crisis. He renewed his call for countries to halt new coal, oil and gas projects and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
According to WMO forecasts, the strongest impacts of El Niño are expected to be felt across Africa, southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia and South America. These regions could experience prolonged heatwaves, reduced agricultural productivity, worsening water shortages, and, in some areas, heavier rainfall and increased flooding.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the organization is closely monitoring the evolution of El Niño, but emphasized that forecasts alone are not enough.
“Forecasts do not prevent disasters on their own,” Saulo said. “Timely decisions and effective preparedness are essential to reducing losses and protecting vulnerable communities.”
Scientists believe El Niño could reach its peak intensity during the second half of this year, although some uncertainty remains regarding its ultimate strength.
Source: Al Jazeera, citing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)