UNITED NATIONS, September 5, 2026 (Kamran Raja) – The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the rapidly strengthening El Niño weather pattern is likely to continue through February 2027 and could trigger extreme heat, floods, droughts and other severe weather conditions worldwide. Forecasters said El Niño is expected to become “very strong” and peak around the end of this year, driven by exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean waters. The agency said temperatures beneath the surface of parts of the Pacific were more than eight degrees Celsius above normal in July and early August. From September to November, above-normal temperatures are expected across almost the entire globe, while some regions could face heavy rainfall and flooding and others may experience drought. Scientists said a warmer atmosphere and ocean could further intensify some of El Niño’s impacts.WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the phenomenon could cause serious disruption to communities and economies around the world. In response to the growing risks, international and national weather agencies are strengthening forecasting and early-warning systems to help governments prepare for possible impacts on agriculture, public health, energy and water supplies.