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- By Vaidika Thapa
- Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- UN warns strong El Nino to intensify globally by September.
- WMO forecasts increased risk of extreme weather events worldwide.
- India faces weaker monsoon, drought risk due to El Nino.
El Nino Alert: Amid extreme heatwaves in Europe and a developing monsoon season in India, the United Nations (UN) weather and climate agency has warned that a strong El Nino event is expected to intensify in the coming months. The climate phenomenon is likely to increase the risk of severe weather disruptions across the world.
UN Warns Of Extreme Weather Risk
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Friday that El Nino conditions have already developed in the tropical Pacific Ocean and are expected to strengthen quickly between July and September. “El Nino conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific and are forecast to strengthen rapidly over the coming months, increasing the likelihood of... extreme weather events in many parts of the world,” the WMO said.
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The WMO said its latest seasonal climate update shows a “rapid development into a strong El Nino event during July-September.” It added, “Seasonal-average sea-surface temperature anomalies expected to exceed 2 degrees Celsius in key monitoring regions.” The agency added that El Nino is likely to continue strengthening during the Northern Hemisphere autumn and will affect many regions globally.
The United Nations weather agency on Friday raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Nino in the coming months, warning that the phenomenon is likely to drive global temperatures higher. https://t.co/HIwC7vHYqS https://t.co/HIwC7vHYqS
— Reuters Science News (@ReutersScience) July 3, 2026
WMO chief Celeste Saulo warned that the situation could worsen extreme weather risks around the world. “El Nino conditions are already under way and are forecast to strengthen rapidly into a strong event…This will intensify the chances of drought and heavy rainfall and the risk of heatwaves on land and marine heatwaves in many regions,” Saulo said.
What Changes Will Be There?
Furthermore, rainfall patterns are also expected to change. The WMO said that between July and September, El Nino may bring below-normal rainfall to the Indian subcontinent, much of Australia, and parts of the tropical Indian Ocean. However, above-rainfall is expected in parts of the southwestern US. Other regions like the Greater Horn of Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America may see drier-than-normal conditions.
What Does It Mean For India?
For India, a strengthening El Nino typically means a weaker and uneven monsoon season. It can lead to below-normal rainfall in several regions, increasing the risk of drought-like conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already forecast below-normal rainfall for the country as a whole this year. Due to this phenomenon, rainfall distribution is further expected to become irregular, with dry spells and occasional heavy showers in some areas.