Baku: El Ni±o is firmly established and will intensify into a very strong event in the coming months, with significant impacts on rainfall and temperature patterns and associated risks of floods, drought, and extreme heat, according to a new update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Forecasts from WMO's Global Producing Centres indicate an 'exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100%' that El Ni±o will persist through to February 2027.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, this is the first time that a WMO El Ni±o/La Ni±a Update has been so unequivocal, reflecting the strong agreement within WMO's extensive network. Fueled by exceptionally warm ocean conditions across the tropical Pacific, El Ni±o is expected to strengthen further during the coming months to a very strong intensity before peaking towards the end of this year, with climate impacts continuing well into 2027.
UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "El Ni±o is being supersized before our eyes. The science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is in uncharted waters, and those waters are heating up." He highlighted the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the rising risks of extreme weather conditions.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned of the potential widespread impact, noting, "El Ni±o in Spanish means boy child - but it has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world." She emphasized the need for exceptional preparation and response, marking an unprecedented mobilization by the WMO in its 50-year history.
Saulo also stressed the importance of collaboration, stating, "WMO is committed to working closely with partners across the United Nations and humanitarian system to provide the climate intelligence and insights needed to support disaster management and climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, health, energy, and water resources."
WMO El Ni±o/La Ni±a Updates serve as the world's most authoritative source of information for governments and decision-makers. These forecasts are based on a consensus of models from WMO Global Producing Centres and experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and climate prediction centres around the world.