WMO warns of strengthening El Niño through October

The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that a strong El Niño is developing and is expected to intensify between August and October, bringing above-normal temperatures worldwide, wetter conditions in some regions and increased drought risk in others.

Multi-model forecasts indicate seasonal-average sea-surface temperature anomalies exceeding 2.9°C in key monitoring regions, according to WMO.

Tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are also projected to remain warmer than average.

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Guterres warns of a ‘combustible future’

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: ‘El Niño is strengthening, adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires and record hot seas.

El Niño is not just on our doorstep; it is inside the house and turning up the heat, and this is only a warm-up act.'

He said fossil fuels are ‘fanning the flames of this crisis,' adding: ‘More coal, oil and gas will lead to a more combustible future.'

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WMO calls for early action

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said: ‘El Niño is one of the most closely monitored climate phenomena in the world, but forecasts in themselves do not prevent hazards, people do.'

She said the current El Niño is developing against a backdrop of unprecedented ocean heat and rising temperatures, and that governments and communities have a window of opportunity to anticipate risks and act before impacts unfold.

WMO said it is stepping up coordination, climate information services and early warning support for governments, humanitarian agencies, climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture and health, and vulnerable communities.