GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has issued a warning for nations to gear up for escalating health hazards as El Niño gains strength worldwide. This climate phenomenon is forecasted to reach a very strong level by the end of 2026. WMO pointed out significant threats including extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The alert also emphasizes dangers to health infrastructure due to shifting rainfall and temperature patterns affecting communities across various regions.
According to predictions from WMO Global Producing Centres, there is nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will persist through February 2027. The persistent warm waters of the tropical Pacific continue to fuel the event’s growth. WMO anticipates the peak of El Niño around late 2026, with climate impacts extending into 2027. The organization notes that intense El Niño episodes can cause significant changes in global rainfall and temperature trends, raising the risk of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the health dangers linked to El Niño. She called on governments, health agencies, and community groups to work more closely with meteorological services. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable because buildings and roads absorb and slowly release heat, intensifying heat exposure. Elderly populations, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially at risk during extended heatwaves.
Health organizations bolster efforts to prepare for El Niño
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focusing on El Niño. This report aims to aid countries and regions in assessing risks, preparing responses, and taking early actions to protect vulnerable groups. WHO emphasizes health-system preparedness as climate conditions evolve across affected zones. The analysis incorporates seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify periods and locations where heat, rainfall variations, and related health threats demand heightened surveillance.
Both WMO and WHO warn that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns may foster conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. They also highlight concerns over cholera and malnutrition, especially in drought- and flood-affected areas. Currently, more than 150 million people suffer from acute food insecurity globally, increasing strain on communities facing climate-induced disruptions to food supplies and livelihoods.
Heatwaves, infectious diseases, and food insecurity converge
As El Niño peaks in late 2026, regions including Southern Africa, South America, and Australia will encounter their hottest seasons. WMO warned that this overlap could lead to droughts, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air pollution. Prolonged heat can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. The smoke from wildfires and declining air quality also pose respiratory risks, and extended heat exposure hampers recovery, especially in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban areas.
WMO collaborates with partners to enhance climate services related to health and to improve coordination between meteorological and public health agencies. These efforts aim to produce forecasts in formats that enable timely decision-making by health officials and emergency responders. The latest WHO assessment underscores the importance of stronger disease surveillance and rapid response strategies as El Niño modifies temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations focus on early warning, preparedness, and integrating climate and health data to better respond to the intensifying El Niño in 2026.