GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – In a recent alert, the World Meteorological Organization has urged nations to take proactive steps to address escalating health threats driven by the intensification of El Niño worldwide. Projected to reach very strong levels by late 2026, this climate phenomenon poses significant dangers, including extreme heat, floods, droughts, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The warning emphasizes the strain on healthcare systems as shifts in rainfall and temperature impact populations across multiple regions.
Based on forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres, there is nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will continue through February 2027. The exceptionally warm waters in the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s escalation, with WMO anticipating its peak around the end of 2026. Meanwhile, climate influences are expected to persist into 2027. The organization warned that intense El Niño episodes can markedly alter worldwide rainfall and temperature distributions and raise the likelihood of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event held in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo underscored the health risks associated with El Niño. She called on governments, health authorities, and community groups to enhance collaboration with meteorological agencies. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable since infrastructure like buildings and roads absorb and slowly release heat, especially at night. Vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic health issues face heightened risks during extended periods of intense heat.
Global Health Agencies Enhance El Niño Preparedness Efforts
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. This report supports nations and regions in conducting risk assessments, preparing health systems, and initiating early measures to protect vulnerable populations. WHO’s approach emphasizes readiness in healthcare infrastructure amid changing climate conditions across affected zones. By leveraging seasonal forecasts, the analysis helps authorities identify periods and locations where heat, rainfall alterations, and related health issues warrant closer monitoring.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns can create conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Cholera and malnutrition are also pressing concerns in drought and flood-affected areas. Globally, over 150 million people already suffer from severe food insecurity, adding to the challenges faced in regions impacted by climate-driven disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
Heatwaves, Disease, and Food Security Risks Converge
As El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak, southern Africa, South America, and Australia are preparing for their hottest seasons. WMO expressed concerns that this overlap could lead to increased drought, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air pollution. Elevated temperatures can exacerbate health problems including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental conditions. Additionally, wildfire smoke and degraded air quality heighten respiratory risks, while extended heat exposure hampers recovery, especially for those in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban environments.
In response, WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services for health and to strengthen ties between meteorological agencies and public health authorities. The goal is to provide forecast data in formats that facilitate prompt decision-making by health and emergency agencies. The latest WHO assessment underscores the importance of improved disease surveillance and rapid response mechanisms as El Niño alters temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations are prioritizing early warning systems, preparedness, and integrated climate-health information as part of their strategy to address the intensifying 2026 El Niño event.
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