Milan, Sept. 3 (LaPresse) – El Niño is expected to persist through February 2027 with an “exceptionally high, close to 100%” probability, according to forecasts by the global centers of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The United Nations agency stressed that this is the first time an El Niño/La Niña update has presented such a high level of certainty. The phenomenon, fueled by exceptionally high temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, is expected to strengthen further in the coming months, reaching very strong intensity, with a peak expected toward the end of the year. Climate impacts could continue into 2027. “El Niño is reaching exceptional proportions before our very eyes. Science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is in uncharted waters and those waters are warming,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “Sea surface temperatures are rising, temperatures continue to climb and the world is in the danger zone for extreme weather events.” “The race is now between rising risks and our commitment to take climate action and protect people. We must win this race,” Guterres added. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that El Niño, whose name means ‘child’ in Spanish, “has the potential to inflict a huge blow on communities and economies around the world.” According to Saulo, droughts and floods are already causing “disruption and devastation”, and these effects are set to increase as the phenomenon strengthens. “This exceptional El Niño requires exceptional preparedness and response,” Saulo added, stressing that in its 50 years of activity, the WMO had never launched a mobilization of such magnitude with national meteorological and hydrological services, which are engaged in forecasting and emergency management.
Climate, UN: “El Niño heading toward exceptional levels, planet in danger zone”
Milan, Sept. 3 (LaPresse) – El Niño is expected to persist through February 2027 with an “exceptionally high, close to 100%” probability, according to forecasts by the global centers of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The United Nations agency stressed that this is the first time an El Niño/La Niña update has presented such a high level of certainty. The phenomenon, fueled by exceptionally high temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, is expected to strengthen further in the coming months, reaching very strong intensity, with a peak expected toward the end of the year. Climate impacts could continue into 2027. “El Niño is reaching exceptional proportions before our very eyes. Science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is in uncharted waters and those waters are warming,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “Sea surface temperatures are rising, temperatures continue to climb and the world is in the danger zone for extreme weather events.” “The race is now between rising risks and our commitment to take climate action and protect people. We must win this race,” Guterres added. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that El Niño, whose name means ‘child’ in Spanish, “has the potential to inflict a huge blow on communities and economies around the world.” According to Saulo, droughts and floods are already causing “disruption and devastation”, and these effects are set to increase as the phenomenon strengthens. “This exceptional El Niño requires exceptional preparedness and response,” Saulo added, stressing that in its 50 years of activity, the WMO had never launched a mobilization of such magnitude with national meteorological and hydrological services, which are engaged in forecasting and emergency management.