The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that a strong El Niño event is expected to intensify between August and October, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather across many parts of the world.

The climate pattern is forecast to contribute to above-average global temperatures, significant shifts in rainfall, and continued unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic.

According to the WMO, sea surface temperature anomalies in key monitoring areas are expected to exceed 2.9°C, signaling a powerful El Niño.

The agency says these forecasts provide governments and communities with valuable time to prepare for potential impacts through early planning and risk reduction measures.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said El Niño is worsening the effects of an already overheating planet, pointing to intense heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and record-breaking ocean temperatures.

He argued that continued reliance on fossil fuels is driving the climate crisis and warned that expanding coal, oil, and gas production will increase future risks. He urged immediate action to protect vulnerable populations and address the underlying causes of climate change.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that although El Niño is one of the world's most closely monitored climate phenomena, forecasts alone cannot prevent disasters.

She noted that the current event is unfolding alongside unprecedented ocean warming and rising global temperatures, making early preparedness more important than ever. She added that timely, reliable climate information can help governments, humanitarian organizations, and sectors such as agriculture and health reduce the impacts of extreme weather and protect at-risk communities.