GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to brace for increasing health threats as El Niño’s strength intensifies worldwide. The climate phenomenon is projected to reach a very strong level by the end of 2026. WMO has identified significant risks including extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and worsening air quality. The alert also underscores vulnerabilities in health infrastructure as shifts in rainfall and temperature disrupt communities across various regions.
Forecast data from WMO Global Producing Centres indicate a nearly 100% chance that El Niño will persist through February 2027. The persistence is supported by exceptionally warm waters in the tropical Pacific, fueling the event’s escalation. WMO anticipates the peak of El Niño will occur towards the end of 2026, with climate impacts extending into 2027. The organization notes that strong El Niño events can cause notable changes in global rainfall and temperature patterns and heighten the risk of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the health hazards associated with El Niño. She urged governments, health agencies, and community groups to enhance collaboration with meteorological services. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to heat due to the heat stored by buildings and roads, which is gradually released at night. Older adults, outdoor workers, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially at risk during extended periods of high temperatures.
Global Health Entities Boost El Niño Preparedness Efforts
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis concerning El Niño. This document aims to support countries and regions in conducting risk assessments, implementing preparedness strategies, and taking early action for vulnerable populations. WHO is also concentrating on health-system readiness as climate variations influence affected areas. The analysis incorporates seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify critical periods and locations where heat, rainfall variations, and related health threats demand increased surveillance.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can boost conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika are among the illnesses identified as requiring heightened attention. Cholera and malnutrition also pose serious concerns, especially in drought and flood-affected zones. Currently, over 150 million people face acute food insecurity globally, adding strain to regions already impacted by climate-related disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
Converging Risks of Heat, Disease and Food Security
As El Niño peaks towards the end of 2026, southern Africa, South America, and Australia are about to enter their hottest seasonal periods. WMO has expressed concern that this overlap could exacerbate droughts, wildfires, smoke, and deteriorating air quality. Elevated heat levels can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. Additionally, wildfire smoke and poor air quality increase respiratory risks, while prolonged heat exposure hampers recovery, especially for those living in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban areas.
WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services for health and to strengthen coordination between meteorological and public health agencies. The initiative aims to produce forecasts that support timely decision-making by health authorities and emergency responders. The latest WHO assessment also stresses the importance of improved disease surveillance and rapid response capabilities as El Niño’s temperature and rainfall patterns evolve. Both organizations prioritize early warning systems, preparedness, and integrated climate-health information as essential components of their response to the mounting challenges of the 2026 El Niño.