The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has issued a stark warning that an El Niño weather event is 80 per cent likely to occur this summer between June and August, with forecast models indicating it will likely persist until at least November, with probabilities near or above 90 per cent. This phenomenon, which warms tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures, is expected to exacerbate global temperatures and trigger extreme weather events worldwide.
Urgent Climate Warning
The United Nations is urging governments to treat this impending El Niño as an urgent climate warning, as it will compound human-driven climate change and increase the risk of severe weather impacts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "climate action equal to the crisis," stressing the need to end fossil fuel addiction and accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources. "We must treat this as a wake-up call," Guterres said, emphasising that the world cannot afford to delay decisive action.
Record-Breaking Heat Expected
The previous El Niño event in 2023-24 contributed to 2024 becoming the warmest year on record. Scientists warn that this upcoming event could make 2027 another record-breaking year, pushing global temperatures even higher. The combination of natural climate variability and human-induced warming creates a dangerous cocktail that could lead to unprecedented heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Key points from the WMO report:
- 80 per cent chance of El Niño developing between June and August 2026
- Probabilities remain near or above 90 per cent through November
- Event will likely persist into early 2027
- Expected to fuel record global temperatures and extreme weather
The WMO's warning comes as countries around the world continue to grapple with the effects of climate change. The organisation urges nations to prepare for the impacts of El Niño, including heatwaves, droughts, and increased rainfall in some regions. The UN's call for urgent climate action underscores the need for a global transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
