By Zoila Palma: El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event in the coming months, increasing the risks of extreme weather around the world, according to a new update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The climate phenomenon is already firmly established and is expected to have significant effects on rainfall and temperature patterns, with heightened risks of floods, drought and extreme heat.
WMO forecasts indicate an “exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100%” that El Niño will persist through February 2027. The agency said this is the first time one of its El Niño/La Niña updates has been so unequivocal, reflecting strong agreement among forecasting centres and climate experts worldwide.
The phenomenon is being fueled by exceptionally warm ocean conditions across the tropical Pacific.
According to WMO, El Niño is expected to strengthen further during the coming months, reaching a very strong intensity before peaking toward the end of 2026, while its climate impacts are expected to continue into 2027.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the growing global risks associated with the event, saying, “El Niño is being supersized before our eyes.”
He added that rising sea surface temperatures and increasing global temperatures are placing the world in a dangerous period of extreme weather, reiterating the need for stronger climate action and preparedness.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said communities and economies could face significant impacts as El Niño intensifies. “El Niño in Spanish means boy child – but it has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world,” Saulo said, noting that droughts and floods are already causing disruption and devastation and could worsen.
Saulo said the exceptional strength of the event requires increased preparation and response, with national meteorological and hydrological services playing a critical role in protecting lives and livelihoods.
WMO said it is working with United Nations and humanitarian partners to provide climate information to support disaster management and climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, health, energy and water resources, emphasizing that “we have no time to lose.”
The post World Meteorological Organization warns of very strong El Niño with extreme weather risks into 2027 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event in the coming months, increasing the risks of extreme weather around the world, according to a new update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The climate phenomenon is already firmly established and is expected to have significant effects on rainfall and
The post World Meteorological Organization warns of very strong El Niño with extreme weather risks into 2027 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
