UN warns of 'supersized' El Nino as countries prepare for impact

What the report says

The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the current El Niño is intensifying into an unusually strong event, with the UN saying the world is entering a “danger zone of extreme weather.” BBC World News reported that the phenomenon could be the strongest in more than 70 years and may last until at least February 2027. El Niño is a natural Pacific Ocean pattern that alters wind and sea temperatures, often bringing drought to some regions and heavier rain, flooding or stronger storms to others.

According to the BBC, the UN and WMO are urging governments to prepare for disruption to economies, communities and infrastructure. Celeste Saulo, the WMO’s secretary-general, said the event could hit communities and economies worldwide, while António Guterres linked it to broader climate risks. The article said early warning systems and pre-emptive health measures are being expanded in some countries, but officials remain concerned about vulnerable populations.

The report highlighted several likely impacts: drier conditions in parts of South East Asia, Central America and northern South America; lower rainfall affecting the Panama Canal; wildfire risks in Indonesia; and stronger typhoons in China. Wetter-than-normal conditions are also expected in areas including eastern Africa, southern Brazil and the southern United States, raising flood risk.

BBC reporting also noted that the event is unfolding alongside long-term human-caused warming, which may worsen extreme heat and weather extremes. The article framed the situation as a test of preparedness for countries already coping with fragile infrastructure, health systems and climate-related disasters.