GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – World Meteorological Organization has called on nations to bolster health preparedness in response to the expanding threat of El Niño. The climate phenomenon is predicted to reach a very strong level by the end of 2026. Major dangers identified by WMO include extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke, and declining air quality. The alert also emphasizes the potential strain on healthcare systems due to shifts in rainfall and temperature affecting communities across different regions.
Forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres suggest almost a 100% chance that El Niño will continue until February 2027. Warm waters across the tropical Pacific are fueling the event’s growth. WMO anticipates the peak of El Niño toward late 2026, with climate impacts extending into 2027. The agency states that such strong events can significantly alter global rainfall and temperature trends, heightening the risk of extreme weather events.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, pointed out the health risks during an urban heat resilience event in New York this week. She urged governments, health agencies, and communities to collaborate more effectively with meteorological services. Urban areas face particular dangers because heat from buildings and roads is stored during the day and released slowly at night. Vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic conditions are more exposed during extended periods of high temperatures.
Health authorities ramp up efforts to prepare for El Niño
World Health Organization released a 63-page report titled Global Public Health Situation Analysis on El Niño on September 5. It supports countries and regions in assessing risks, planning preparations, and taking early actions for vulnerable populations. WHO emphasizes the importance of health-system readiness as climate conditions change across affected areas. The report uses seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify times and locations where heat, rainfall shifts, and related health hazards need closer monitoring.
According to WMO and WHO, higher temperatures and altered rainfall can create conditions favorable for mosquito-borne diseases. The agencies identified malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika as diseases requiring special attention. Cholera and malnutrition are also major concerns, especially in drought and flood-affected areas. Over 150 million people already face severe food insecurity globally. Climate-related disruptions threaten food production and livelihoods, adding to the crisis.
Convergence of heat, illness, and food insecurity issues
Southern Africa, South America, and Australia will soon experience their hottest seasons as El Niño peaks in late 2026. WMO has expressed concern that this overlap could lead to more droughts, wildfires, smoke, and worsening air pollution. Exposure to extreme heat can aggravate cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, and mental health conditions. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality increase respiratory risks. Long-lasting heat also hampers recovery, especially for those in poorly ventilated homes or crowded urban areas.
WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services related to health and improve the connection between meteorological and public health authorities. The goal is to produce forecasts in formats that enable timely decision-making by health agencies and emergency responders. WHO’s latest assessment stresses the importance of strengthening disease surveillance and rapid response efforts as El Niño influences temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations prioritize early warning, preparedness, and coordinated climate-health information as key responses to the intensifying 2026 El Niño event.