GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to brace themselves for escalating health hazards as El Niño gains strength worldwide. Forecasts indicate that the climate phenomenon will reach a very strong intensity by the end of 2026. Among the major dangers identified by WMO are extreme heat, flooding, droughts, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The alert also emphasizes potential threats to healthcare systems resulting from shifts in rainfall and temperature patterns impacting communities across various regions.
According to projections from WMO Global Producing Centres, there is an almost 100% chance that El Niño will continue until February 2027. The tropical Pacific continues to host exceptionally warm waters, fueling the event’s escalation. WMO anticipates the peak of El Niño toward late 2026, with climate effects extending into 2027. The organization notes that intense El Niño episodes can cause substantial alterations in global rainfall and temperature trends, heightening the risk of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event held in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo underscored the health threats posed by El Niño. She urged governments, health officials, and community groups to enhance collaboration with meteorological agencies. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to heat retention by buildings and roads, which slowly releases heat overnight. Vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, outdoor laborers, and individuals with chronic illnesses are at increased risk during prolonged high-temperature periods.
Health agencies ramp up readiness for El Niño impacts
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis concerning El Niño. This document aids countries and regions in assessing risks, preparing responses, and taking early actions to protect vulnerable populations. WHO also emphasizes the importance of health-system preparedness amid changing climate conditions across affected zones. The analysis incorporates seasonal forecasts to guide authorities in identifying periods and locations where temperature fluctuations, rainfall variations, and related health threats demand heightened surveillance.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can foster conditions favorable to mosquito-borne diseases. The agencies pinpoint malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika as diseases requiring vigilant monitoring. Additionally, cholera and malnutrition emerge as serious concerns in drought- and flood-affected environments. Over 150 million people are already experiencing acute food insecurity worldwide, further stressing regions where climate-induced disruptions threaten food production and livelihoods.
Convergence of heat, health, and food security concerns
As El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak, southern Africa, South America, and Australia will enter their hottest seasons. WMO has expressed concern that this overlap could lead to droughts, wildfires, increased smoke, and deteriorating air quality. Prolonged heat exposure can worsen existing cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health conditions. The impact of wildfire smoke and poor air quality also elevates respiratory risks, while sustained heat can impede recovery in densely populated urban areas with inadequate ventilation.
Efforts are underway by WMO to enhance climate services tailored for health applications and to strengthen collaboration between meteorological and public health agencies. The goal is to provide forecasts in formats that enable swift and informed decision-making by health and emergency management entities. The latest WHO assessment highlights the need for intensified disease surveillance and rapid response systems as El Niño influences temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations prioritize early warnings, preparedness, and integrated climate-health communication as key components of their strategy to address the escalating challenges posed by the 2026 El Niño event.