Strong El Niño expected to intensify, increasing risks of extreme weather into 2027

GENEVA, Switzerland (WMO) — A powerful El Niño event is firmly underway and is expected to strengthen further in the coming months, potentially reaching very strong intensity before the end of the year.

In a new update on Thursday, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that the phenomenon could significantly disrupt global temperature and rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of floods, droughts and extreme heat events through 2027.

According to forecasts from WMO’s Global Producing Centres, there is an “exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100 per cent” that El Niño will continue through February 2027.