The World Meteorological Organization said in a warning Thursday that the "El Niño" phenomenon has become "firmly stable" and will intensify over the coming months, with a "close to 100 percent" probability that it will continue until February 2027. It indicated that it is "the most severe" since this climate phenomenon began to be measured four decades ago. In turn, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “El Niño” is entering the world into a “high-risk zone” that may witness extreme weather phenomena.
Published on: 03/09/2026 - 11:27
The World Meteorological Organization, affiliated with the United Nations, warned Thursday that the current "El Niño" phenomenon may be the "most severe" that has been monitored since this climate phenomenon began to be measured four decades ago.
The organization's Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, explained to reporters in Geneva that this phenomenon "may be more severe than anything we have observed since the beginning of the recordings, to the point that it literally exceeds the scope of indicators."
In the same context, the organization said that the phenomenon has become “firmly stable” and will intensify in the coming months, with a “close to 100 percent” probability that it will continue until February 2027.
El Niño enters the world into a “high-risk zone”
The organization explained in its warning that “El Niño has stabilized steadily and will increase in intensity over the coming months, with major repercussions on rainfall patterns and temperatures, with the accompanying risks of floods, droughts, and extreme heat waves.”
In turn, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “El Niño” is entering the world into a “high-risk zone” that may witness extreme weather phenomena.
Read also: The “super” El Niño phenomenon threatens Africa with losses that may reach $20 billion and mass waves of migration
Guterres' statement included: "Science leaves no room for doubt. The planet is entering the unknown, and waters are getting hotter. Sea surface temperatures have reached unprecedented levels and continue to rise, and we find ourselves in a high-risk zone where extreme weather events become the new norm."
He continued, "The race is now between increasing risks and our commitment to taking climate action and protecting people. We must win this race."
El Niño is a natural weather phenomenon and is not caused by climate change. However, scientists expect that it will increase the temperature of the planet, which is already witnessing rapid warming due to the burning of fossil fuels, and will lead to the exacerbation of extreme weather phenomena.
France 24/AFP
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