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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday warned that El Niño is expected to strengthen from next month (August), heightening the risk of extreme heat, shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related hazards across many parts of the world.
The UN weather agency said multi-model forecasts indicate that seasonal average sea surface temperature anomalies in key monitoring regions are expected to exceed 2.9 degrees Celsius, signalling the development of a strong El Niño event.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the climate pattern is intensifying at a time when the planet is already experiencing record temperatures, devastating wildfires and unusually warm oceans.
“El Niño is strengthening, adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires and record hot seas,” he said.
Guterres blamed continued dependence on fossil fuels for worsening the climate crisis, warning that further expansion of coal, oil and gas production would make future climate impacts even more severe.
“Unless we act to protect people and tackle the root cause of the crisis, the dangers will become deadlier still,” he said.
The WMO said it is strengthening coordination, climate information services and early warning systems to help governments, humanitarian agencies and climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture and health, prepare for the likely impacts.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the emerging El Niño is developing against the backdrop of unprecedented ocean warming and rising global temperatures, increasing the likelihood of more intense weather extremes.
She urged governments and communities to use the available forecasts to prepare in advance, saying timely action can significantly reduce the human and economic impacts of extreme weather.
“The decisions we make today will shape the impacts we experience tomorrow,” Saulo said, adding that the WMO would continue working to ensure reliable climate information reaches those most at risk.
