WMO Warns of Very Strong El Niño Persisting into 2027, Raising Extreme Weather Risks

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued an update indicating an "exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100%" that El Niño will persist through February 2027. Fueled by exceptionally warm ocean conditions across the tropical Pacific, El Niño is expected to strengthen further to a very strong intensity, peaking towards the end of this year, with climate impacts continuing well into 2027. This strong El Niño can significantly shift rainfall and temperature patterns worldwide, fueling extreme weather events like typhoons, floods, drought, and extreme heat.