El Niño to Bring Heatwaves Through October, World Meteorological Organization Warns

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning: the El Niño phenomenon is intensifying and is projected to become a powerful force between August and October 2026. This climate pattern, originating from the warming of surface waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean, triggers significant global weather disruptions.

El Niño typically brings drought to regions like Australia and Indonesia, while causing heavy rainfall and flooding in western South America. Occurring every two to seven years and lasting about a year, it alternates with its opposite phase, La Niña. The WMO notes that El Niño, combined with exceptionally high ocean temperatures and a potential positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, is expected to significantly influence weather patterns worldwide in the coming months.

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El Niño is no longer just at the door – it is in the house and raising the temperature. And this is just the beginning. El Niño is intensifying and fueling an already world on fire with extreme heat, devastating wildfires and record sea temperatures. Fossil fuels are feeding this crisis. The expansion of coal, oil and gas must end. More fossil fuels mean a more dangerous future. If we do not act to protect people and tackle the root cause of the crisis, the dangers will become even deadlier. The trial period has ended. We can no longer afford to wait for the main event.

In response, the WMO is enhancing coordination and climate information services to support early warning systems. This effort aims to assist governments, humanitarian agencies, climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and health, and vulnerable communities in preparing for the potential consequences. The organization highlights that the combined effects of El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole could increase the risk of drought, floods, and wildfires.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency, stating, "El Niño is no longer just at the door – it is in the house and raising the temperature." He linked the phenomenon to the ongoing crisis of extreme heat, devastating fires, and record ocean temperatures, directly attributing the exacerbation to fossil fuels. Guterres called for an immediate cessation of coal, oil, and gas expansion, warning that inaction will lead to more dangerous and deadly outcomes. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo added that while El Niño is closely monitored, forecasts alone cannot prevent disasters.

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This El Niño, which is developing against a background of unprecedented ocean temperatures and global warming...