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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported on Friday that El Niño, a major climate phenomenon, will strengthen beginning next month, with multi-model forecasts indicating sea-surface temperature anomalies in critical monitoring zones to surpass 2.9°C above average. The UN agency described the pattern as adding to existing climate pressures, including record-high ocean temperatures and intensified heatwaves, wildfires, and heavy rainfall events worldwide. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that while El Niño is closely tracked, forecasts alone cannot mitigate hazards without proactive measures by governments and communities.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that El Niño is already intensifying global climate impacts, comparing its effects to ‘fanning the flames’ of existing crises such as extreme heat and environmental disasters. He warned that continued reliance on fossil fuels will exacerbate these conditions, calling for an immediate halt to new coal, oil, and gas projects to prevent further destabilization of climate systems and reduce future risks.

The WMO is enhancing coordination, early warning systems, and climate information services to support governments, humanitarian organizations, and climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and health in preparing for potential El Niño impacts. Saulo highlighted that this El Niño is developing amid unprecedented ocean warming and rising global temperatures, creating a critical window for anticipatory action before hazards materialize.

Saulo underscored that the decisions made today will directly influence the severity of impacts experienced in the coming months, reaffirming the WMO’s commitment to delivering credible and accessible climate information to vulnerable communities. The agency called on all stakeholders to leverage available data and early warnings to implement protective measures and reduce risks associated with the intensifying El Niño event.