The United Nations weather agency has warned that a moderate to possibly strong El Niño is likely to develop in the coming months, raising concerns over higher global temperatures and more extreme weather events. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are driving the phenomenon. The agency has forecast above-average temperatures across most parts of the world from June to August and said El Niño conditions are likely to persist until November.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said countries need to prepare for the possibility of a strong El Niño, which could worsen droughts, trigger heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves on land and in oceans.

The agency said El Niño can cause drought in Australia, Indonesia, Central America and parts of South Asia, while also increasing hurricane activity in the central and eastern Pacific.

The WMO noted that the previous El Niño episode of 2023-24 contributed to record global temperatures. It also warned that extreme heat could increase the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and put pressure on food and water supplies.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the development underlines the urgent need to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.