WMO Warned of Strengthening El Niño Through 2027
The World Meteorological Organization highlighted rising global temperatures as El Niño persists through February 2027.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Severe Weather
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WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo told the United Nations General Assembly that the past seven years were the hottest on record as a strengthening El Niño continues to drive extreme weather. Officials warned the phenomenon is likely to persist through February 2027.
Why it matters
The persistent climate shifts caused by El Niño exacerbate dangerous urban heat traps, leading to significant mortality and public health crises worldwide. Increased temperatures continue to challenge global infrastructure and health systems as cities struggle to manage extreme heat exposure.
In May 2026, temperatures in many Indian cities surpassed 45°C, while Paris reported a fourfold increase in heat-related emergency room visits during that same summer.
The players
Celeste Saulo
She serves as the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization.
World Meteorological Organization
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation on atmospheric science and climate.
United Nations General Assembly
It is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations where member states discuss international issues.
Global Heat Health Information Network
This is a collaborative platform designed to improve capacity to protect populations from the health risks of extreme heat.
The details
Meteorological and health authorities are increasingly utilizing impact-based warnings to link specific heat hazards to local vulnerabilities. The WMO, UNDRR, and the Global Heat Health Information Network have introduced an Extreme Heat Risk Governance Framework to assist authorities in managing the urban heat island effect, where buildings and roads store and release excess warmth.
Timeline
The historical record for El Niño intensity began in 1950.
Heatwaves struck India throughout May 2026.
Extreme heat affected Europe during the summer of 2026.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo addressed the UN on September 22, 2026.
El Niño is expected to persist through February 2027.
Seasonal Patterns
The WMO’s warning is framed within the Extreme Heat Risk Governance Framework and Toolkit, which provides the structural foundation for how international authorities are responding to the latest El Niño heat crisis. This initiative marks a pivot from general monitoring to specific, impact-based risk management for heat-vulnerable populations.
Health officials advise residents to monitor local impact-based warnings that connect specific heat hazards to their immediate vulnerability. Authorities emphasize that urban areas with high concentrations of concrete and asphalt require specific heat mitigation strategies to reduce personal health risks.
The takeaway
El Niño's influence on extreme heat is now a predictable cycle that requires advanced planning from both governments and individuals. Readers should prepare for prolonged temperature spikes by identifying local heat cooling centers and following community-specific health alerts.
Further reading
For more information on current climate patterns and hazard assessments, visit the Severe Weather section.
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