GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has issued an urgent appeal for nations to bolster health preparedness amid the growing threats posed by El Niño worldwide. Projected to reach very strong intensity by the close of 2026, this climate phenomenon threatens to bring extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality, among other dangers. The warning underscores the potential strain on health systems as shifts in rainfall and temperature disrupt communities across various regions.
Forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres indicate nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will continue through February 2027. The persistence is fueled by exceptionally warm waters in the tropical Pacific, which sustain the event’s growth. WMO anticipates peak activity toward the end of 2026, with climate impacts extending into 2027. The organization warns that intense El Niño events can notably alter global rainfall and temperature trends, increasing the risk of extreme weather events.
During an urban heat resilience event in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the health risks associated with El Niño. She called on governments, health authorities, and community groups to enhance collaboration with meteorological services. Cities are especially vulnerable due to the heat stored in buildings and roads that is gradually released at night. Vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses face higher exposure during extended periods of elevated temperatures.
Health organizations enhance strategies for El Niño readiness
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. This report aids countries and regions in assessing risks, preparing strategies, and initiating early measures to protect vulnerable groups. WHO emphasizes health system preparedness as climate patterns shift across affected zones. Seasonal forecasts are used to identify critical periods and locations where heat, rainfall changes, and related health threats demand increased surveillance.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can foster conditions conducive to mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika are among the illnesses needing close attention. Cholera and malnutrition are also major concerns, especially in drought- and flood-affected regions. Currently, over 150 million people face severe food insecurity globally, adding to the pressure on areas experiencing climate-related disruptions to food supplies and livelihoods.
Converging threats of heat, illness, and food insecurity
As El Niño peaks in late 2026, regions such as Southern Africa, South America, and Australia are entering their hottest seasons. WMO expressed concerns that this overlap could intensify droughts, wildfires, smoke, and deteriorating air quality. Elevated heat can exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality also heighten respiratory risks, while prolonged heat waves may hinder recovery for those in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban environments.
WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services related to health and reinforce connections between meteorological and public health agencies. The goal is to provide forecasts that support timely decision-making by health authorities and emergency responders. WHO’s latest assessment stresses the importance of improved disease monitoring and rapid response efforts as El Niño alters temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations have prioritized early warning systems, preparedness, and coordinated climate-health information as key responses to the escalating 2026 El Niño.