WMO Predicts Strong El Niño to Peak by End of 2026
By Editor • September 3, 2026 • 1 min read
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that a significant El Niño phenomenon is currently underway in the tropical Pacific and is set to strengthen, reaching its peak towards the end of 2026. This update, released on Thursday from Geneva, indicates that the effects of this event are expected to persist well into 2027.
According to the WMO, the likelihood of El Niño continuing through February 2027 is nearly 100%, marking a notable consensus among global climate models. The Niño 3.4 index, which measures sea-surface temperature anomalies in key regions of the Pacific, has already shown temperatures averaging 1.5 °C above normal from May to July, with peaks of 2 °C in July and further increases observed in subsequent weeks.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as unprecedented, stating, "El Niño is being supersized before our eyes." He emphasized the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the potential risks posed by this event. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo echoed this warning, highlighting the potential for widespread disruption to communities and economies worldwide.
While the intensity of El Niño is alarming, the WMO cautioned that the impacts will vary by region and season. Historical trends show that strong El Niño events can lead to increased rainfall in some areas of South America while causing droughts in others. The organization also noted that this natural phenomenon, which occurs every few years, is not directly caused by climate change but can influence global temperatures beyond its peak.
Source: en.mercopress.com
