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. It highlights a steady rise in sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said that El Niño conditions have already formed and are expected to quickly 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 stated.
The organization has launched an unprecedented mobilization to support climate-sensitive sectors, governments and humanitarian agencies, coordinating with United Nations and regional bodies. "Improved seasonal forecasts and early warning systems are vital to save lives and mitigate impacts on economies and societies," Saulo added.
The equatorial portion of the Atlantic basin is also expected to remain generally warmer than average.
What are El Niño and La Niña?
El Niño is a weather phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean that leads to rising global temperatures, particularly 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.
