El Nino is getting stronger: UN sounds alarm, asks countries to prepare

El Nino is expected to become stronger over the next few months, raising the risk of above-normal temperatures and major changes in rainfall patterns across much of the world, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned.In its latest Global Seasonal Climate Update, the UN weather agency said the climate phenomenon is likely to intensify into a strong El Nino during the August-October 2026 period.Coupled with exceptionally warm oceans, the event is expected to shape weather conditions across many regions in the months ahead.El Nio is no longer a warning on the horizon. It has formed in the Pacific, just as India’s monsoon begins on a weak note. NOAA, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also sharply raised the odds of a “very strong” event by winter, to 63 per cent from 35 per cent. pic.twitter.com/53ih9im5XX— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) June 16, 2026The WMO has urged governments, humanitarian agencies, climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and health, and vulnerable communities to use early warnings and climate information to prepare for potential impacts before they unfold. WHY SHOULD THE WORLD WORRY ABOUT EL NINO?El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern that develops when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual.Although it begins in the Pacific, it affects weather across the globe by altering atmospheric circulation. According to the WMO, forecasts from leading global climate centres show that the seasonal average sea surface temperature in key El Nino monitoring regions is likely to exceed 2.9°C during August-October, indicating a strong event.We obsess about what’s happening over the Indian Ocean but think of remote forcings via all these heat sources! Core is showing some life and is pulling moisture from the Bay to complement the westerly atmospheric river. Will this hold for a bit to make up for lost time? Monsoon pic.twitter.com/vcjKA7HWzf— Raghu Murtugudde (@rmurtugudde) July 29, 2026The agency also expects a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) to develop alongside El Nino.During this phase, the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer than normal while the eastern Indian Ocean turns cooler, and could alter the situation.At the same time, sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean are also forecast to remain above normal, adding to the changing global climate picture.UN SOUNDS ALARM FOR THE WORLDWarning that the climate risks are growing, Antonio Guterres said El Nino has "entered our home" and is adding to a world already battling extreme heat, devastating wildfires and record-breaking ocean temperatures. A satellite image shows a rapidly warming Pacific Ocean. (Photo: Windy) He added that the continued expansion of fossil fuels is worsening the crisis and called for urgent action to both protect people from climate impacts and tackle their root causes.WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said El Nino is one of the world's most closely monitored climate events, but forecasts alone cannot prevent disasters.She further stressed that timely action based on reliable climate information can help governments and communities assess risks, prepare in advance and reduce the impacts of extreme weather.The WMO said it is strengthening global coordination, climate information services and early warning support to help countries better prepare for the months ahead.- EndsPublished On: Aug 1, 2026 10:55 IST