GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to bolster health safeguards amid the increasing strength of El Niño globally. This climate phenomenon is forecasted to reach a very strong intensity by the end of 2026. WMO identified key threats such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The alert also underscores the danger to health infrastructures as shifts in rainfall and temperature impact communities across various regions.
WMO Global Producing Centres’ forecasts indicate nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will continue into February 2027. The event’s intensification is supported by exceptionally warm waters in the tropical Pacific. WMO anticipates El Niño reaching its peak late in 2026, with climate effects persisting into 2027. The organization notes that strong El Niño events can significantly alter global rainfall and temperature patterns, leading to increased exposure to extreme weather events.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the health risks during an urban heat resilience event in New York this week. She urged governments, health agencies, and community groups to work more closely with meteorological services. Urban areas are especially vulnerable because buildings and roads absorb daytime heat and release it slowly at night. Elderly individuals, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses face heightened risk during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Health Authorities Enhance Strategies for El Niño Preparedness
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. This report supports efforts at country and regional levels to assess risks, prepare, and take early action for vulnerable populations. WHO also emphasizes the importance of health system readiness as climate conditions evolve across affected regions. The analysis incorporates seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify critical periods and locations where heat, rainfall shifts, and related health threats demand closer monitoring.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can create conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases. The agencies highlighted diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika as needing particular attention. Cholera and malnutrition are also major concerns in areas experiencing drought or flooding. Currently, over 150 million people are facing severe food insecurity worldwide, further stressing regions impacted by climate-driven disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
The Convergence of Heat, Disease, and Food Security Challenges
As El Niño peaks in late 2026, regions like Southern Africa, South America, and Australia will experience their hottest seasons. WMO expressed concern that this overlap could lead to increased drought, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air quality. Extended heat exposure can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality also heighten respiratory risks, and prolonged heat can hinder recovery in densely built or poorly ventilated homes.
WMO collaborates with partners to enhance climate services for health and to strengthen links between meteorological and public health authorities. The goal is to provide forecasts in formats that facilitate timely decision-making by health and emergency agencies. WHO’s recent assessment stresses the importance of improved disease surveillance and rapid response strategies as El Niño alters temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations prioritize early warning systems, preparedness, and coordinated climate-health information as central to their response to the escalating 2026 El Niño event.