WMO Warns El Nino Likely to Trigger Global Extreme Weather

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning about the escalating impacts of El Nino, predicting a high probability of extreme weather events across the globe. The phenomenon, fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, is expected to significantly disrupt global temperature and rainfall patterns.

El Nino, a recurring natural climate cycle occurring every two to seven years, influences weather systems worldwide by altering wind patterns, air pressure, and precipitation. Historically, it has been associated with drought conditions in regions like Australia and Indonesia, while simultaneously causing floods in South America. The WMO's latest tri-annual climate update, released in early June 2026, highlights that most global climate models indicate the current El Nino is likely to develop into at least a moderate event, with the potential to become strong or even "super."

"The world needs to prepare for the impacts of El Nino, which can exacerbate drought and extreme rainfall in several regions this year," stated WMO Secretary-General Andre Celeste Saulo. He further cautioned that the phenomenon could increase the risk of heatwaves, affecting both land and sea.

Adding to the concern, a study from Pusan National University in South Korea suggests that El Nino and its counterpart, La Nina, may become more intense and frequent in the future. Researcher Axel Timmermann noted that their computer simulations indicate a shift towards stronger and more frequent extreme El Nino and La Nina events, with potential impacts extending to the Atlantic Ocean and influencing European weather.