Strong El Niño ahead, UN weather agency warns

Friday, July 31, 2026UN NewsAs much of the world faces grapples with above normal temperatures and major rainfall changes, the UN Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Friday that El Niño, a powerful climate pattern shaping global weather, will intensify starting next month.Why it mattersA strong El Niño is developing and expected to strengthen during August through October, bringing powerful weather events around the world, according to WMO’s latest monthly global seasonal climate updateAbove-normal temperatures expected worldwideWetter conditions expected in some regions while drought risk increases in othersTropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures projected to remain warmer than averageForecasts provide a window for early action and support decision makingScorching heat domes, record hot seasMulti-model forecasts indicate expected anomalies related to seasonal-average sea-surface temperature to exceed 2.9°C in key monitoring regions, according to WMO.“El Niño is strengthening, adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires and record hot seas,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said.“El Niño is not just on our doorstep; it is...