GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to ready themselves for increasing health dangers as El Niño gains strength worldwide. This climate event is expected to reach a very strong level by the end of 2026. WMO pointed out major risks including extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and worsening air quality. The warning also notes potential impacts on health systems as shifts in rainfall and temperature affect communities across several regions.
Forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres show almost a 100% chance that El Niño will persist until February 2027. Persistent warm waters across the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s growth. WMO anticipates El Niño to reach its peak towards late 2026, with climate effects extending into 2027. The organization warned that strong El Niño episodes can significantly alter global rainfall and temperature patterns and increase the likelihood of extreme weather events.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted health threats during an urban heat resilience event in New York this week. She urged governments, health authorities, and community groups to work more closely with meteorological services. Cities are especially vulnerable to heat because buildings and roads absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Older adults, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses are more exposed during extended periods of high temperatures.
Health organizations bolster El Niño readiness
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. This report supports countries and regions in assessing risks, preparing measures, and taking early actions for vulnerable populations. WHO emphasizes health-system readiness as climate conditions change across affected areas. The analysis employs seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify periods and locations where heat, rainfall changes, and related health threats need closer monitoring.
Rising temperatures and altered rainfall can increase conditions favorable to mosquito-borne illnesses, according to WMO and WHO. They identified malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika as diseases that need attention. Cholera and malnutrition are also major concerns in drought and flood scenarios. Over 150 million people are already facing severe food insecurity worldwide, adding stress in regions affected by climate-induced disruptions to food and livelihoods.
Converging threats of heat, illness, and hunger
Southern Africa, South America, and Australia will soon experience their hottest seasons as El Niño reaches its late-2026 peak. WMO expressed concerns that this overlap could lead to drought, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air quality. Exposure to heat can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, metabolic, and mental health issues. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality increase respiratory risks. Prolonged heat also hampers recovery, especially in poorly ventilated homes and crowded urban areas.
WMO collaborates with partners to improve climate services for health and strengthen ties between meteorological and public health agencies. The goal is to provide forecasts in formats that aid timely decision-making by health officials and emergency responders. WHO’s latest evaluation stresses the importance of enhanced disease surveillance and rapid response as El Niño alters temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations focus on early warning, preparedness, and coordinated climate-health information as they respond to the escalating 2026 El Niño.