A rapidly intensifying El Niño, potentially the strongest in 150 years, is expected to become a major event between August and October and dominate global weather patterns through spring 2027, the World Meteorological Organization warned.
Central Pacific sea-surface temperatures are projected to exceed 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal, with above-average heat forecast across nearly all land areas through October — most intensely in Africa, southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and South America. The phenomenon, combined with ongoing global warming, could push 2026 and 2027 past the current record set in 2024.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said El Niño is "pouring oil on the fire of a planet already in flames" and urged nations to halt new fossil fuel projects. WMO chief Celeste Saulo said early warnings must translate into concrete government action.