WMO Warns Strong El Niño to Bring Record Temperatures by 2026

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a warning that the El Niño phenomenon will continue to intensify over the coming months, reaching the category of a 'strong' event between August and October 2026. The UN agency stated that this scenario will favor above-average temperatures across much of the planet and alter rainfall patterns in various regions. The WMO's climate update indicates that the strengthening of El Niño occurs against a backdrop of exceptionally high ocean temperatures. It also warns that a possible positive Indian Ocean Dipole could amplify various climatic effects, increasing the risk of extreme events on several continents in the coming months. This forecast builds on previous WMO updates that have tracked the development of El Niño conditions, which are known to have global impacts on agriculture, water resources, and weather-related disasters.

Global Impact

Economically, a strong El Niño can disrupt global food supply chains, leading to higher food prices and inflationary pressures, particularly in developing nations that rely on imports. Politically, governments in affected regions may face pressure to implement disaster response measures and agricultural subsidies, potentially straining budgets.