Mirian Gom 
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
ABUJA, Nigeria – The United Nations has warned that the current El Niño phenomenon is strengthening into a very strong weather event, raising the likelihood of devastating floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heat and other climate-related disasters across the globe in the coming months.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued the warning on Thursday, saying the world is entering a dangerous phase as record-breaking ocean temperatures combine with the naturally occurring climate pattern to intensify extreme weather conditions.
According to him, scientific evidence shows that the planet is moving into “uncharted waters,” with sea surface temperatures continuing to rise and increasing the risk of severe climate impacts.
“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. The world is in the danger zone of extreme weather.”
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also confirmed that El Niño is expected to strengthen further before reaching its peak later this year, with effects likely to persist until February 2027.
According to the agency, there is an almost 100 per cent probability that El Niño will continue through February 2027.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the weather event could have severe humanitarian and economic consequences if countries fail to prepare adequately.
“This exceptional El Niño has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world,” Saulo said.
The organisation also projected that temperatures between September and November would remain above average across most land areas, while rainfall patterns would reflect the influence of the strengthening Pacific warming.
“The race now is between rising risks and our commitment to take climate action and protect people. We must win that race,” he said.
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Korede Abdullah 