UN warns of strong El Niñostrong El Niño and extreme weather risks
The World Meteorological Organization warned on June 2, 2026, that a strong El Niño may develop in the coming months and raise the risk of heat, drought, flooding, and other extreme weather worldwide.
The alert matters because scientists say the event could hit a warmer planet harder, threatening crops, water supplies, and disaster preparedness in many countries.
UN and meteorologists
The World Meteorological Organization says the Pacific warming pattern is likely to disrupt rainfall and temperature patterns across several regions. It argues that early warning systems and preparedness measures are needed because climate change can intensify the effects.
National weather agencies
Some national forecasters expect a particularly strong El Niño and warn that Asia could see hotter and drier conditions later in 2026. They say the greatest risks may fall on agriculture, especially where food systems are already under stress.
Climate scientists
Researchers note that El Niño is a natural climate cycle, but it now unfolds in a world that is already warmer than before. They say this makes the same event more likely to produce severe impacts than it would have in past decades.
- El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the same Pacific cycle.
- The WMO is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- El Niño can affect monsoon strength in South Asia and drought risk in Australia.
