WMO: Highest temperatures recorded in the last 2 months as El Nino rapidly strengthens

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Technical Advisor for Extreme Temperature Services Armel Castellan and World Health Organization (WHO) Head of the Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Action, and Health Emergencies Interventions Unit Teresa Zakaria made statements regarding the impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon on health and climate at the United Nations (UN) Geneva Office's weekly press conference. Castellan stated that sea surface temperatures are at record levels, saying, "El Nino is rapidly strengthening, and we have left behind the two hottest months on record. The effects of El Nino have been observed in climate-sensitive sectors and will continue to increase. We expect this event to peak towards the end of the year."

Castellan noted that El Nino could cause above-normal rainfall in some regions, saying, "Each El Nino event is different. Its impact varies by region and season. This El Nino is already combined with record-breaking temperatures. When this event peaks in late 2026, much of the Southern Hemisphere, along with South Africa, South America, and Australia, will enter their hottest seasons in the early months of 2027. The addition of seasonal temperatures to the effects of El Nino will increase the risks of drought, forest fires, smoke, and the air pollution they cause."