The World Meteorological Organization warns that a new El Niño event may begin within a few weeks, potentially becoming one of the strongest ever recorded, causing droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and floods worldwide.
On 3 June 2026, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a warning urging countries to prepare for a new El Niño phenomenon, which may start forming within the next few weeks and is likely to develop into one of the most intense El Niños ever recorded.
El Niño is expected to strengthen throughout the remainder of 2026, potentially impacting global weather on a wide scale. Forecast models from several countries indicate this event could evolve into a "super El Niño," the highest intensity level. Scientists also note that the combination of El Niño and human-induced global warming may cause more severe weather variability worldwide, including heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and heavy rainfall across many regions.
Professor Adam Scaife, head of the monthly to decadal climate prediction department at the UK Met Office, stated that scientists are highly confident a major El Niño event will occur, possibly reaching record-breaking severity.
Previously, scientists detected key signs from the Pacific Ocean. Satellite data, buoys, and underwater sensors reveal a massive volume of warm water with temperatures over 6 degrees Celsius above average in some areas moving eastward beneath the surface to depths of several hundred meters. When this subsurface heat rises to the surface, it increases air temperatures and influences global weather patterns.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that El Niño will fuel a warming planet, with impacts becoming more severe, widespread, and quickly crossing borders, causing massive damage.
Although each El Niño event affects regions differently, intense El Niños generally bring hotter, drier conditions to much of South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia, increasing drought and wildfire risks. They may also weaken the Indian monsoon, affecting rainfall in the region, while some areas in the United States could experience heavier rains and a higher risk of flooding.
Experts warn that if this El Niño develops into a "super El Niño," the world could face one of the most extreme weather events in decades amid record-high global temperatures caused by the ongoing climate crisis.
Source: BBC