Shibbir Ahmed, New York – The United Nations has called for urgent international action to protect vulnerable communities as a potentially unprecedented El Niño event threatens to intensify extreme weather conditions across the world. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Wednesday that sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean could reach approximately 3.8°C above average during November 2026 to January 2027, with the phenomenon expected to peak around December. The forecast places the developing event beyond the range of previous El Niño episodes recorded over the past four decades.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher urged governments and humanitarian organizations to take immediate preventive measures to protect lives and livelihoods.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon involving the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. It can significantly alter global weather patterns, increasing the risk of extreme heat, drought and flooding in different regions.
According to the WMO’s latest seasonal climate outlook, the strengthening event could have serious consequences for Latin America, eastern and southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific. The impacts may affect agriculture, water supplies, public health, housing and local economies. Fletcher warned that vulnerable communities could face severe humanitarian consequences unless countries act before the crisis intensifies.
The UN’s appeal comes amid growing concerns about the capacity of humanitarian agencies to respond to multiple climate-related emergencies. International organizations are being urged to strengthen early-warning systems, prepare emergency supplies, protect food and water resources, and mobilize financial assistance for communities at greatest risk. Early intervention is particularly important in areas already experiencing food insecurity, weak infrastructure or limited access to essential services.
In Latin America changes in rainfall patterns could increase the risk of flooding in some areas while worsening drought in others, threatening agriculture and vulnerable communities. In Africa parts of eastern and southern Africa face potential disruptions to rainfall, increasing pressure on food production, water availability and humanitarian services.
Asia and the Pacific higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could affect agricultural production, water supplies and public health, particularly in communities with limited resources to prepare for extreme weather. The WMO has emphasized that the forecast provides an important opportunity for governments and humanitarian partners to prepare before the event reaches its expected peak.
Although El Niño cannot be prevented, coordinated early action can reduce its impact on vulnerable populations. The UN is urging international partners to prioritize preparedness, strengthen disaster-response capacity and ensure that assistance reaches communities before extreme weather conditions cause widespread damage. The coming months will be critical in determining how effectively countries respond to the growing climate-related risks.
