WMO Warns of Exceptionally Strong El Niño Forecast

The World Meteorological Organization warned that an El Niño event could become exceptionally strong, forecasting central Pacific sea-surface temperatures about 3.8°C above average from November 2026 through January 2027. The agency said the outlook would exceed the levels in its four-decade monitoring record, though the forecast has not yet been observed. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said previous El Niño events had reached around 3°C above average. The current event is expected to peak toward the end of 2026, she said. El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that warms Pacific waters and affects weather around the world; it is not caused by climate change, although global warming can make its effects more intense. The WMO said El Niño can disrupt rainfall patterns, bringing drought to some regions and heavy rain to others. Its outlook warned that flooding risks in southern Africa could rise from November. In Southeast Asia, warmer and drier conditions could affect agriculture and water supplies. The agency also said Latin America could see increased rainfall. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called for countries and aid organizations to prepare before...