The United Nations has warned that the world is entering a “danger zone of extreme weather” as a potentially powerful El Niño event begins affecting countries worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued the warning after the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its latest assessment of the phenomenon.
According to the WMO, the current El Niño could become the strongest event in more than 70 years and may continue until at least February 2027.
El Niño occurs when unusually warm surface waters develop across parts of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The resulting changes in atmospheric circulation can disrupt weather patterns far beyond the Pacific. Some regions could face severe drought, while others may experience heavier rainfall, flooding and stronger tropical storms.
Forecasters also expect El Niño to push temperatures higher in some parts of the world. That effect could compound the rising global temperatures already being driven by human-induced climate change.
“El Niño is being supersized before our eyes,” Guterres said.
“The science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is in uncharted waters, and those waters are heating up.”
Governments and scientists are already taking steps to limit the potential impact of the event. Measures include strengthening early warning systems and preparing pre-emptive medical assistance in vulnerable areas. These efforts are aimed at reducing deaths, displacement and environmental damage as extreme weather risks increase.
However, the projected strength of the event has raised particular concern over communities that have fewer resources to prepare for and recover from climate-related disasters. The WMO said it had launched a “major mobilisation” to distribute forecasts to as many communities as possible.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the phenomenon could have serious consequences for both people and economies.
“El Niño has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world,” Saulo said.
With forecasts pointing to an unusually strong and prolonged event, governments are being urged to use early warnings and preparedness measures to reduce the risks to vulnerable populations.
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