The United Nations’ weather and climate agency has issued a stern warning that a newly formed El Niño climate pattern will rapidly intensify into a “strong” event between July and September. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), sea-surface temperature anomalies are projected to exceed 2°C in key tracking regions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. WMO Chief Celeste Saulo urged nations to brace for impact, noting that the rapid development of this third-highest category event significantly heightens the risk of extreme weather phenomena globally.

The strengthening climate driver is poised to trigger severe environmental disruptions, including intensified droughts, heavy rainfall, and unprecedented marine and terrestrial heatwaves. While El Niño usually peaks towards the end of the year, its maximum temperature spikes on land typically manifest up to 12 months later, threatening to break subsequent global heat records. The WMO is actively ramping up its seasonal forecasts and early warning support to help climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and healthcare mitigate economic fallout and protect vulnerable communities from impending atmospheric disruptions.