United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world has entered a “danger zone” of extreme weather as a strengthening El Niño climate pattern threatens to intensify floods, drought and extreme heat across several regions.
Guterres issued the warning on Thursday, September 3, 2026, following a new update from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) which said El Niño is firmly established and expected to intensify into a very strong event in the coming months.
“El Niño is being supersized before our eyes,” Guterres said.
“The science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is in uncharted waters, and those waters are heating up. Sea surface temperatures are rising, temperatures keep climbing, and the world is in the danger zone of extreme weather.”
According to the WMO, the phenomenon is expected to peak towards the end of 2026 and is likely to persist through February 2027, with its effects on global weather patterns continuing beyond that period.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon caused by changes in ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation in the tropical Pacific. While it is not caused by climate change, scientists say a warming planet can amplify some of its impacts.
The WMO warned that the intensifying event could significantly disrupt rainfall and temperature patterns, increasing the risks of floods, drought and extreme heat.
Guterres said the growing threat underscored the need for urgent climate action and stronger preparations to protect vulnerable communities.
“The race now is between rising risks and our commitment to take climate action and protect people. We must win that race,” he said.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo similarly warned that the developing El Niño could deliver a “massive blow” to communities and economies around the world.
She said authorities responsible for disaster management, as well as climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture, health, energy and water, needed to prepare for worsening conditions.
The WMO said the impacts of the current El Niño are expected to be felt well into 2027, potentially adding to existing climate-related challenges around the world.
