GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has called for increased preparedness from nations in response to the rising health dangers associated with the global intensification of El Niño. The climate phenomenon is forecasted to reach a very strong level by the close of 2026, with major threats including extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and deteriorating air quality, according to the organization. This warning also underscores potential impacts on health systems as shifts in rainfall and temperature disrupt communities across various regions.
WMO Global Producing Centres’ forecasts indicate nearly a 100% probability that El Niño will continue through February 2027. Persistently warm waters across the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s growth. The organization projects El Niño to peak towards the end of 2026, with climate effects extending into 2027. WMO emphasizes that such strong events can significantly alter 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 pointed out the health hazards posed by El Niño. She urged governments, health authorities, and community groups to enhance cooperation with meteorological services. Urban areas are especially vulnerable to heat because of buildings and roads that absorb daytime heat and slowly release it at night. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses, face increased exposure during extended periods of high temperatures.
Health organizations boost readiness for El Niño impacts
On September 5, the World Health Organization issued a comprehensive 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. The report aims to support risk assessments, preparedness initiatives, and early interventions for vulnerable groups across nations and regions. WHO emphasizes health-system preparedness as climate conditions evolve in affected areas. The analysis incorporates seasonal forecasts to assist authorities in pinpointing times and locations where heat, rainfall alterations, and related health threats require heightened monitoring.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns could foster conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases. The organizations identified malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika as diseases demanding attention. Cholera and malnutrition are also among the pressing concerns in drought- and flood-affected settings. Over 150 million individuals are already experiencing acute food insecurity globally, adding pressure to regions impacted by climate-related disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
Converging threats of heat, disease, and food insecurity
As El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak, Southern Africa, South America, and Australia are entering their hottest seasonal phases. WMO expressed concern that this overlap could exacerbate drought, wildfires, smoke, and deteriorating air quality. Exposure to extreme heat can worsen health issues including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health conditions. Smoke from wildfires and declining air quality also elevate respiratory risks, while sustained heat diminishes recovery periods for individuals in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban environments.
WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services focused on health and to strengthen coordination between meteorological and public health agencies. These efforts are designed to provide forecasts in accessible formats that enable timely decision-making by health officials and emergency responders. WHO’s latest evaluation also stresses the importance of improved disease surveillance and rapid response capabilities as El Niño causes shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations have prioritized early warning systems, preparedness, and integrated climate-health information as central to their strategies in managing the escalating impacts of the 2026 El Niño.