The World Meteorological Organization warns that persistent El Niño conditions could intensify extreme weather, disrupting rainfall, temperatures, agriculture and food security worldwide.

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• The World Meteorological Organization expects El Niño conditions to strengthen further into 2027, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather across several regions.
• Forecasts show an almost 100% probability that El Niño will persist through February 2027, driven by exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures.
• The current El Niño is expected to reach peak intensity toward the end of 2026, potentially amplifying global weather disruptions.
• Strong El Niño conditions can significantly alter rainfall and temperature patterns worldwide, increasing risks of droughts, intense rainfall and tropical storms.
• El Niño occurs when weakening trade winds contribute to unusually high sea surface temperatures across the eastern Pacific Ocean.
• The naturally recurring phenomenon generally occurs every two to seven years and can influence global weather patterns for several months.
• Latin American countries can experience severe rainfall and drought during El Niño events, creating major agricultural, economic and humanitarian challenges.
• The ongoing phenomenon has already affected tropical agricultural commodities and contributed to a severe food crisis across Central America’s Dry Corridor.
• Intensifying Pacific Ocean temperatures are increasing concerns about unpredictable climate conditions and potentially stronger weather-related disasters during the coming year.
• The World Meteorological Organization is strengthening preparedness and early warning measures to help vulnerable countries manage growing climate-related risks.
• Climate intelligence and forecasts will support disaster management and climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture, healthcare, energy and water resources.
• The expected persistence of El Niño into 2027 highlights the urgent need for stronger preparedness against increasingly severe and disruptive weather events.