World Met Organisation warns strong El Niño could trigger extreme weather worldwide

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months. (Photo: World Meteorological Organisation)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Friday, July 3, 2026

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According to WMO, El Niño is likely to become much stronger between July and September before reaching its peak towards the end of the year, increasing the risk of extreme weather in many regions.

El Niño has developed in the tropical Pacific and is expected to strengthen rapidly in the coming months, raising the likelihood of heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall across many parts of the world, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Friday.

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern linked to unusually warm waters in the Pacific Ocean. It can disrupt weather patterns around the world, often bringing heavier rainfall to some areas and drought to others.

According to WMO, El Niño is likely to become much stronger between July and September before reaching its peak towards the end of the year, increasing the risk of extreme weather in many regions.

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The changing weather patterns are also expected to affect rainfall patterns across several regions. The agency forecasts below-average rainfall over parts of the Indian subcontinent, much of Australia and the Greater Horn of Africa, while parts of West Africa, the central and eastern Pacific and the southwestern United States are likely to receive more rain than usual.

“Across Europe, forecasts suggest a north-south contrast, with increased chances of above-normal rainfall in southern Europe and below-normal rainfall in northern Europe. However, for Europe, forecast confidence remains lower than in many other regions,” said the weather agency.

WMO has stepped up coordination with governments and humanitarian agencies to help them prepare for the possible impacts of the developing weather pattern through improved forecasts and early warning systems.

“Advanced seasonal forecasts and early warnings are vital to save lives and cushion the impact on our economies and our communities,” Saulo said.