Powerful El Nino to intensify heat on ‘a planet already on fire’: UN

Global weather systems face significant disruption as El Niño conditions strengthen across the central Pacific, according to the World Meteorological Organization's latest assessment. The periodic climate phenomenon is projected to elevate risks of extreme heat, prolonged drought, and severe flooding in multiple regions simultaneously, compounding existing weather crises affecting Africa, Europe, and South Asia.

Sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific are expected to rise more than 2.9 degrees Celsius above historical norms, a deviation substantial enough to alter atmospheric circulation patterns and trigger widespread temperature increases across land areas. The WMO projects above-normal conditions will be most pronounced across Africa, southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and South America. Scientists caution that this year's El Niño event could potentially reach record intensity during its peak in the latter half of the year, though uncertainty remains in computer model projections.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the situation as critical, describing El Niño as amplifying an already warming planet. He emphasized that the phenomenon's effects will compound existing human-caused climate change, particularly as fossil fuel expansion continues. Guterres specifically urged nations to cease approving new coal, oil, and gas projects and to accelerate climate mitigation efforts.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stressed that forecasts alone cannot mitigate hazards; effective response requires concrete action from governments and humanitarian organizations to protect vulnerable populations. She underscored that decisions made in the present period will determine the severity of impacts experienced in coming months.