As the world enters the summer months of 2026, the United Nations is urging global readiness for a potentially severe weather cycle. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast a moderate to strong El Niño event, which is expected to drive up global temperatures and heighten the risk of extreme weather patterns across the globe.
El Niño, characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, typically persists for nine to 12 months. According to the WMO, current warm ocean waters are fueling the development of this phenomenon, with predictions suggesting above-average temperatures in most parts of the world from June through August.
While climate models currently differ on the exact severity of this event, officials emphasize that the uncertainty should not lead to complacency. The WMO expects the El Niño conditions to continue until November, leaving a significant window for potential climate disruptions.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures, stating, "We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event – which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean."
For business professionals, policymakers, and residents across Asia and beyond, these warnings signal a need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resource management to mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall and soaring temperatures over the coming months.
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UN urges the world to ready for extreme heat risk from El Nino
cgtn.com
