‘Supersized’ El Niño puts planet in ‘uncharted waters’ as extreme weather risks grow
The World Meteorological Organization warns that a 'supersized' El Niño event is pushing the planet into uncharted climate territory. This phenomenon is expected to intensify through the end of the year, potentially causing severe floods, droughts, and extreme heat through 2027.
Why it matters
The prolonged intensity of this climate event threatens global food security, economic stability, and human safety, necessitating urgent international disaster preparedness.
Members of the Irish Air Corps provide aerial support in tackling a major wildfire as it continues to burn at Slievenamon in Co Tipperary. Picture: PA
A “supersized” El Nino has pushed the planet into “uncharted waters”, with more floods, drought, and extreme heat forecast in the coming months, with the potential to threaten millions of lives.
Fuelled by exceptionally warm ocean conditions across the tropical Pacific, El Nino — a climate phenomenon characterised by a warming of ocean surface temperatures which influences global weather — is now expected to strengthen further during the coming months to a very strong intensity.
It will peak towards the end of this year, with climate impacts continuing well into 2027, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) now warns.
Forecasts from the WMO indicate an almost 100% likelihood that El Niño will persist through to February 2027.
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