GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to brace for escalating health hazards associated with the intensifying El Niño phenomenon worldwide. This climatic event is projected to attain very strong intensity by the conclusion of 2026. The WMO outlined major dangers including extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The warning emphasizes potential threats to health systems as shifts in rainfall and temperature impact communities across various regions.
Forecast data from WMO Global Producing Centres indicates nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will persist through February 2027. Warm waters across the tropical Pacific continue to fuel the event’s strengthening. The WMO anticipates that El Niño will peak towards the end of 2026, with climate impacts extending into 2027. The organization notes that intense events can notably alter global rainfall and temperature patterns, thereby increasing the risk of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo underscored the health risks posed by El Niño. She urged governments, health authorities, and community groups to enhance collaboration with meteorological agencies. Urban areas are especially vulnerable to heat due to the heat stored in buildings and roads, which is released gradually at night. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic conditions face heightened exposure during sustained periods of high temperatures.
Global Health Bodies Reinforce Preparedness for El Niño
On September 5, World Health Organization issued a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focusing on El Niño. This report aids countries and regions in assessing risks, planning preparedness strategies, and initiating early interventions for vulnerable groups. WHO emphasizes the importance of health-system readiness amid climate-related shifts in affected areas. The analysis integrates seasonal forecasts to assist authorities in pinpointing periods and locations where heat, rainfall variations, and associated health threats necessitate closer monitoring.
According to WMO and WHO, increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can create favorable conditions for mosquito-borne illnesses. Malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika are among the diseases identified as requiring heightened vigilance. Cholera and malnutrition are also major concerns in regions facing drought and flooding. Currently, over 150 million individuals worldwide suffer from severe food insecurity, adding to pressures in areas affected by climate-induced disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
Converging Threats of Heat, Disease, and Food Security
As El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak, southern Africa, South America, and Australia will experience their hottest seasons. WMO has expressed concern that this overlap may lead to increased drought, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air quality. Exposure to extreme heat can exacerbate health issues such as cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental conditions. The combination of wildfire smoke and poor air quality further elevates respiratory risks, while prolonged heat periods hinder recovery, especially in densely populated urban environments and poorly ventilated homes.
In response, WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services for health and strengthen the integration between meteorological and public health sectors. This effort aims to deliver forecasts in formats that enable timely decision-making by health agencies and emergency responders. WHO’s latest assessment also underscores the need for improved disease surveillance and rapid response mechanisms as El Niño influences temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations have prioritized early warning systems, preparedness, and coordinated climate-health information as central elements of their strategy to address the escalating challenges of the 2026 El Niño event.