GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – With climate patterns becoming increasingly extreme, the World Meteorological Organization is warning nations to brace for rising health hazards linked to the ongoing strengthening of El Niño worldwide. Experts project the phenomenon will reach a very strong level by the end of 2026. Major dangers cited include extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The alert also underscores the threat to healthcare infrastructure as shifting rainfall and temperature trends impact communities across diverse regions.
According to forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres, there is nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will continue through February 2027. Persistently warm waters in the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s growth. WMO anticipates that El Niño will peak late in 2026, with its climate effects extending into 2027. The organization notes that strong El Niño events can cause substantial alterations in global rainfall and temperature patterns, raising the risk of severe weather events.
During an urban heat resilience conference in New York this week, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the health dangers posed by El Niño. She urged governments, health agencies, and community groups to enhance collaboration with meteorological services. Urban areas face specific risks because of the heat retained by buildings and infrastructure, which then releases during the night. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk during extended periods of high temperatures.
Health organizations enhance readiness for El Niño impacts
On September 5, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis focused on El Niño. This report aims to assist countries and regions in evaluating risks, preparing for potential health impacts, and taking early measures to protect vulnerable groups. WHO is also emphasizing health-system preparedness as climate conditions evolve in affected areas. Utilizing seasonal forecasts, the analysis helps authorities pinpoint critical periods and locations where heat, rainfall variations, and related health threats require heightened surveillance.
According to WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns can foster environments conducive to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Additionally, cholera and malnutrition are among the serious concerns in regions experiencing droughts and floods. Currently, over 150 million people are suffering from acute food insecurity worldwide, a situation worsened by climate-related disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
Converging threats of heat, illness, and food insecurity emerge
As El Niño reaches its late-2026 peak, southern Africa, South America, and Australia are approaching their hottest seasonal periods. WMO warned that this overlap heightens concerns about drought, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air pollution. Excessive heat can exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality further increase respiratory risks, while prolonged heat exposure can hinder recovery for those living in poorly ventilated homes and densely populated urban areas.
In response, WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services tailored to health needs and to strengthen connections between meteorological and public health authorities. The goal is to provide forecasts in formats that enable timely decision-making by health officials and emergency responders. The latest WHO assessment stresses the importance of improved disease surveillance and rapid response capabilities as temperature and rainfall patterns shift during El Niño. Both organizations are prioritizing early warning systems, preparedness initiatives, and coordinated climate-health data sharing as part of their strategy to address the intensifying 2026 El Niño.