Archive · 4 Sep 2026
WMO Warns Very Strong El Niño Could Reshape Global Weather
El Niño happens when part of the Pacific Ocean becomes much warmer than usual.
This warm water can change weather in many parts of the world.
The World Meteorological Organization says a strong El Niño is already developing.
It expects the event to become even stronger.
The organization says it could continue until February 2027.
El Niño can bring heatwaves, heavy rain, droughts and unusual temperatures.
Officials are already seeing harmful effects from droughts and floods.
In India, experts think it may make the coming winter less cold.
India’s official post-monsoon forecast had not yet been issued.
The World Meteorological Organization warned that El Niño is firmly established and expected to strengthen.
WMO said the phenomenon could last until February 2027 and alter global temperature and rainfall patterns.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that droughts, floods and other impacts could intensify.
Equatorial Pacific sea-surface temperatures rose more than 1.5°C above normal during May-July and exceeded 2°C in July.
Indian experts suggested the strengthening El Niño could reduce cold during the upcoming winter, although India’s post-monsoon forecast was not yet released.
- Who
- The World Meteorological Organization and its Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, issued the warning; Indian experts also commented on possible winter effects.
- What
- A very strong El Niño is developing and may disrupt global temperature and rainfall patterns.
- When
- The warning was issued on Thursday; the event is expected to potentially last until February 2027.
- Where
- The phenomenon begins with warming in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and can affect weather globally, including India.
- Why
- El Niño changes ocean-atmosphere conditions, disrupting weather patterns and potentially intensifying droughts, floods, heatwaves and extreme temperatures.
- Issuing organization
- World Meteorological Organization
- Current status
- El Niño is firmly established and expected to strengthen
- Potential duration
- Until February 2027
- Pacific temperature change
- More than 1.5°C above normal during May-July and above 2°C in July
- Expected impacts
- Changes in global temperatures and rainfall, including droughts, floods and heatwaves
- India outlook
- Experts suggested the coming winter could be less cold; the post-monsoon forecast was not yet released