GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – In a recent statement, the World Meteorological Organization has called on nations worldwide to brace for escalating health threats linked to the intensifying El Niño phenomenon. Projected to reach a very strong level by the close of 2026, this climate pattern is expected to trigger severe heatwaves, flooding, droughts, wildfire smoke, and deteriorating air quality. The warning emphasizes the increased vulnerability of health systems as fluctuating rainfall and temperatures impact communities across diverse regions.
As of this week, forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres indicate nearly a 100% chance that El Niño will continue into February 2027. The persistent warm waters across the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s escalation. WMO anticipates the peak of El Niño around late 2026, with climate impacts extending into 2027. The organization notes that such strong events can markedly alter global rainfall and temperature patterns, heightening the risk of extreme weather phenomena.
During a recent urban heat resilience event in New York, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo underscored the threat to public health. She urged governments, health agencies, and community organizations to enhance coordination with meteorological services. Urban areas are particularly susceptible to heat because of how buildings and roads absorb and slowly release heat overnight. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses face increased exposure during extended heat episodes.
Health sectors boost 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 document aims to support countries and regions in conducting risk assessments, implementing preparedness strategies, and taking early actions to protect vulnerable populations. WHO emphasizes the importance of health-system readiness as climate shifts occur across impacted areas. By leveraging seasonal forecasts, authorities can better pinpoint times and locations where heatwaves, altered rainfall, and related health threats require intensified monitoring.
According to both WMO and WHO, rising temperatures and shifts in precipitation patterns can create conducive environments for mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Cholera outbreaks and malnutrition are also major concerns, especially in contexts of drought and flooding. Currently, more than 150 million individuals are experiencing acute food insecurity worldwide, further stressing regions already affected by climate-induced disruptions to food production and livelihoods.
Converging threats of heat, disease, and food insecurity
As El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak, southern Africa, South America, and Australia are preparing for their hottest seasonal periods. WMO has expressed concern that this overlap may lead to increased droughts, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air pollution. Extended heat exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health issues. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality further elevate respiratory risks, while prolonged heat can impede recovery in densely built and poorly ventilated homes.
In response, WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services aimed at health and to strengthen coordination between meteorological and public health authorities. The goal is to provide forecast information in formats that enable timely decision-making by health agencies and emergency responders. The latest WHO assessment highlights the need for improved disease surveillance and rapid response mechanisms as El Niño alters temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations are prioritizing early warning systems, preparedness, and integrated climate-health information in their strategies to tackle the escalating impacts of the 2026 El Niño.