Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : June 5, 2026 11:14 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Manisha Arora
El Nino (Image: AI Generated)
The United Nations weather agency World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a fresh warning over the return of El Nino and predicted a moderate to potentially strong weather event pushing global temperatures higher and causing extreme weather conditions in several parts of the world in the next couple of months. The experts say the climate phenomenon could make heatwaves, droughts, floods, food shortages and even the spread of infectious diseases more likely.
According to the UN weather agency El Nino is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by the presence of warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The agency said that warm ocean waters are already driving its development and the temperatures forecast for the June-July-August season may remain above average temperatures.
"The science is clear: El Nino is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90 per cent certainty. The world must treat it as an urgent climate warning as El Ni o conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world. Impacts will hit even harder, travel even farther and cross borders with devastating speed," said Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General in a video statement.
"The only effective response is climate action equal to the crisis ending the addiction to fossil fuels, accelerating the shift to renewables, protecting the most vulnerable and delivering early warning systems for all."
El Nino has the potential to greatly influence global weather due to its phenomenon related to more rain in parts of South America, United States, Horn of Africa and Central Asia. Meanwhile it can cause drought in Australia, Indonesia, Central America and parts of South Asia, according to the WMO.
Did you know that the last strong El Nino from 2023 to 2024 hit the global temperature record? What is concerning about the rising temperature is that experts warn El Nino's extreme heat could also exacerbate food and water shortages and increase the risk of the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks.
We are likely to experience a new warmest year on record in the next 5 years.
New @WMO & @metoffice report shows that annual global mean near-surface temperatures from 2026 2030 are likely to range between 1.3 C - 1.9 C above the 1850-1900 average.https://t.co/axX4aIrB5Cpic.twitter.com/eRD7EscTcf World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) May 31, 2026
Extreme weather events linked to El Nino can have a grave impact on public health, Dr. Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital Delhi said while talking to TheHealthsite.Com.
She explained, "Children and elderly people, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk and should take extra precautions when exposed to the effects of flooding, prolonged heat exposure and rising temperatures can create favourable conditions for mosquito borne diseases like dengue and malaria." Here are some tips to remain safe during an El Nino season outlined by the doctor:
The expert concludes that as the meteorological team keeps an eye on the changing weather pattern it is crucial to be prepared and alert to minimize health hazards associated with the potential far-reaching impacts of El Nino.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Follow local authorities, weather alerts and emergency guidance.
