GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to brace for increasing health hazards as El Niño grows stronger globally. The climate phenomenon is projected to reach a very intense level by the end of 2026. WMO identified critical risks such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality among the primary dangers. Additionally, the warning underscores the strain on health systems due to shifts in rainfall and temperature patterns that affect communities across several regions.
Data from WMO Global Producing Centres indicates nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will continue into February 2027. The persistently warm waters across the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s intensification. WMO anticipates El Niño will hit its peak late in 2026, with climate repercussions extending into 2027. The organization emphasized that strong events can greatly alter global rainfall and temperature distributions, thereby increasing the risk of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo pointed out the health dangers posed by El Niño. She called on governments, health authorities, and community groups to collaborate more effectively with meteorological agencies. Urban areas face heightened heat risks because structures like buildings and roads absorb and slowly release heat during the night. Vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses are at greater risk during extended periods of high temperatures.
Health agencies enhance El Niño response strategies
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. This report aims to assist countries and regions in conducting risk assessments, preparing for climate-related health impacts, and implementing early interventions for vulnerable populations. WHO also emphasizes the importance of health-system readiness as climate conditions evolve within affected regions. The analysis leverages seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify periods and areas where increases in heat, altered rainfall, and related health threats require enhanced monitoring.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can foster conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Cholera and malnutrition are also among the pressing concerns especially in drought- and flood-affected environments. Currently, over 150 million people globally face severe food insecurity, adding further pressure to regions already dealing with climate-related disruptions to food supplies and livelihoods.
Combined threats of heat, illness, and food insecurity escalate
As El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak, regions like Southern Africa, South America, and Australia are set to experience their hottest seasons. WMO expressed concerns that this overlap might lead to droughts, wildfires, increased smoke, and worsening air pollution. Elevated heat levels can exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. Moreover, wildfire smoke and degraded air quality further heighten respiratory risks, while prolonged heat waves can slow recovery for residents in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban zones.
WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services tailored for health, aiming to strengthen the connection between meteorological and public health sectors. This initiative seeks to provide forecasts in formats that support prompt decision-making by health agencies and emergency response teams. The latest WHO assessment emphasizes the need for improved disease surveillance and rapid response capabilities as El Niño alters temperature and precipitation patterns. Both organizations have prioritized early warning systems, preparedness measures, and coordinated climate-health data sharing as integral parts of their strategy to address the escalating 2026 El Niño impact.