The United Nations weather agency has forecast a moderate to strong El Nino event that could raise global temperatures and heighten the risk of extreme weather in the coming months. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that warm ocean waters are driving this phenomenon, with El Nino expected to persist until November and push temperatures above average between June and August. El Nino involves the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, usually lasting nine to 12 months.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the need for preparedness, highlighting that a strong El Nino could worsen droughts, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves on land and in oceans. The recent El Nino event contributed to 2024 becoming the hottest year on record. The warming pattern also threatens to disrupt regional climates worldwide, bringing increased rainfall to some areas while causing drought in others.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, warning that El Nino will intensify global warming effects. Although climate change does not increase El Nino frequency, it can exacerbate its associated impacts such as extreme heat and heavy rainfall.