WMO Warns: El Niño Could Be the Strongest Since 1950

Mumbai: The World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) Global Seasonal Climate Update states that sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central tropical Pacific Ocean could rise rapidly to reach new record levels by the final months of 2026. As these temperatures rise, the strength, robustness, and intensity of El Niño are increasing at a corresponding pace.

The intensification of El Niño threatens to trigger severe drought crises in many countries across the globe; early signs of this are already emerging. Agricultural production could be severely impacted, and the hardships faced by small and impoverished nations could escalate significantly. According to the organization, El Niño is likely to peak by February 2027 before gradually weakening. Meanwhile, global temperatures will rise sharply, and rainfall patterns will shift. Consequently, the impact of climate change will be felt worldwide; some regions may face scorching heat and drought, while others could confront the threat of devastating floods.

According to the WMO report, El Niño is now fully established and rapidly gaining strength. Countries in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Latin America, are expected to bear the brunt of its adverse effects. This particular El Niño event could prove to be the most powerful since at least 1950.

Countries likely to be most severely affected by El Niño include Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Brazil, and Argentina. According to the organization's report, the Niño 3.4 index for the central-eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean stood at 1.6°C above the normal average in June 2026 and surged to 2.5°C above average in August 2026. Temperatures continued to rise in September, and the index could surge to a peak of 3.7°C during October, November, and December.