El Niño Could Become Very Strong and Continue Affecting the World Into 2027, WMO Warns

El Niño is strengthening toward what the World Meteorological Organization describes as a very strong event, with effects that could continue well into 2027. The agency said on September 3, 2026, that the phenomenon should persist at least until February and reach its peak toward the end of this year.

The changing climate patterns are expected to raise the risks of floods, droughts and extreme heat in different parts of the world. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said in Geneva that altered temperatures and rainfall patterns would increase climate risks.

Scientists are particularly concerned about the exceptional warming in the tropical Pacific. Surface temperatures have risen as much as 2.6 degrees Celsius above normal and continued climbing in recent weeks. Below the surface, the situation is even more unusual, with some areas more than 8 degrees above average because of heat accumulated in the ocean.

The consequences are already being felt in regions that are especially exposed to El Niño’s effects. In Central America, changed rainfall patterns have produced severe drought and water shortages. Corn crops have suffered catastrophic damage, affecting thousands of farming families. In India, monsoon rainfall fell below normal in August, and similar conditions are expected in September, threatening agriculture.

Parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia can also face torrential rain, floods and landslides during El Niño episodes. A major social concern is reduced agricultural production, which limits access to food. The WMO’s warning links the ocean’s unusual heat to a widening risk of disruption across farming regions.