Key facts
- The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts an 80% chance of El Nino developing between June and August.
- El Nino is characterized by warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
- The event is expected to increase global temperatures and the risk of extreme weather.
- Above-average temperatures are predicted for most of the world from June to August.
- El Nino conditions are likely to continue until at least November.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast the development of a moderate to strong El Nino event, with an 80% chance of its emergence between June and August. This phenomenon, characterized by warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is expected to raise global temperatures and increase the likelihood of extreme weather conditions. El Nino events typically last nine to 12 months, and the WMO anticipates conditions persisting until at least November, with above-average temperatures predicted for most of the globe from June to August. Officials are urging preparedness for potential consequences such as intensified droughts, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves on land and in the ocean. The UN warns that communities already struggling will be pushed farther beyond their limits and urges a rapid shift from fossil fuels. The WMO global network forecasts indicate a pronounced shift, fueled by unusually warm ocean waters in the tropical Pacific.