The World Meteorological Organization has announced that the El Niño weather pattern is anticipated to strengthen through 2027, potentially becoming the most powerful on record and increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events in the coming year. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo expressed concerns about the unprecedented intensity of the phenomenon, fueled by exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, with forecasts indicating a near 100% chance of El Niño persisting until February 2027.
El Niño’s impact on global weather patterns, including shifts in rainfall and temperatures, can lead to severe events like typhoons. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the significant escalation of El Niño’s effects, emphasizing the urgent need for action as the planet faces uncharted territory with rising temperatures.
El Niño, characterized by periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific due to weakened trade winds, occurs every two to seven years and typically lasts up to 12 months, causing both intense rains and droughts across Latin America. This year’s El Niño has already affected tropical regions, triggering a severe food crisis in Central America’s Dry Corridor.
The WMO projects that El Niño will peak later this year but its repercussions will extend into 2027, leading to elevated global temperatures. Saulo emphasized the organization’s commitment to enhancing preparedness and early warning systems to mitigate the impact on various sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and water resources.
[Watch video on the impact of a ‘super’ El Niño]
Some climate models predict a strong El Niño year for 2026, raising awareness about the potential implications for Canadians. The WMO’s proactive measures aim to provide crucial climate intelligence and support disaster management efforts across the UN and humanitarian systems.
