El Niño will keep intensifying to a December peak that could make it one of the strongest since at least 1950, the World Meteorological Organization said Thursday in its monthly climate update, with sea-surface temperature anomalies forecast near 3.7 degrees Celsius above normal for October through December, eclipsing the 2015-16 record of 2.6. The agency put near-100 percent odds on the event persisting through February 2027, and WMO chief Celeste Saulo said it is firmly established and strengthening rapidly, warning of above-average global temperatures and shifted rainfall patterns raising drought and flood risk in different regions. The event is already hitting Central America, where drought is killing crops and livestock.
WMO warns El Niño could be strongest since at least 1950
The World Meteorological Organization warned Thursday that El Niño will keep intensifying to a December peak that could rank among the strongest since at least 1950, with record-warm Pacific waters set to shift rainfall patterns worldwide.
Why it matters: A record-strength El Niño is a live input for grain, softs, and energy demand forecasts, with Central America already seeing drought damage to crops and livestock.
Data as of WMO monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update published October 8, 2026; reported from Geneva by Arab News with same-day coverage by France24, DW and Clarín.
Sources
- El Nino will intensify, then peak in December: UN · Arab News · 2026-10-08
- El Nino set to intensify before peaking in December, UN warns · France24 · 2026-10-08