El Nino Increases Global Extreme Weather Risk

JAKARTA - The El Nino condition has developed in the tropical Pacific and is expected to strengthen rapidly in the coming months.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it can increase the likelihood of heat waves, droughts, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather conditions in parts of the world.

In its latest Global Seasonal Climate Update Report, the WMO said forecast models indicate a rapid transition to a strong El Nino event during July-September 2026, with sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific expected to rise by more than 2 degrees Celsius above average.

The WMO said forecast models showed "an overwhelming agreement" that gave high confidence El Nino would continue to strengthen through the northern hemisphere's autumn, while the equatorial Atlantic was also expected to remain warmer than average.

"The El Nino condition has been going on and is expected to strengthen quickly into a strong event, as accurately anticipated by the WMO forecast," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo in a press statement quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Friday, July 3.

Saulo said this would increase the likelihood of droughts and heavy rainfall and the risk of heat waves on land and heat waves at sea in many parts of the world.

The agency said it had increased coordination, climate information services, and early warning support to help governments, humanitarian organizations, and a number of climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture and health, prepare for potential impacts.

"The WMO community has launched an unprecedented mobilization to coordinate activities across the United Nations and at the regional level to support governments, humanitarian organizations, and climate-sensitive sectors," said Saulo.

Saulo explained that advanced seasonal forecasts and early warnings are essential to save lives and reduce the impact on the economy and communities.