GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – The World Meteorological Organization has urged countries to prepare for mounting health risks as El Niño strengthens worldwide. The climate pattern is set to reach very strong intensity by the end of 2026. WMO identified extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire smoke and deteriorating air quality among the major threats. The warning also highlights risks to health systems as changing rainfall and temperatures affect communities across multiple regions.
Forecasts from WMO Global Producing Centres show a nearly 100% likelihood that El Niño will persist through February 2027. Exceptionally warm waters across the tropical Pacific continue to support the event’s intensification. WMO expects El Niño to peak toward the end of 2026, while climate effects continue into 2027. The organization said strong events can significantly shift global rainfall and temperature patterns and increase exposure to extreme weather.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the health threat during an urban heat resilience event in New York this week. She urged governments, health authorities and community organizations to coordinate more closely with meteorological services. Cities face particular heat risks because buildings and roads store daytime heat and release it slowly at night. Older people, children, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses face greater exposure during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Health agencies strengthen El Niño preparedness
The World Health Organization published a 63-page Global Public Health Situation Analysis on El Niño on September 5. The document supports country and regional risk assessments, preparedness measures and early action for vulnerable populations. WHO also focuses on health-system readiness as climate conditions shift across affected areas. The analysis uses seasonal forecasts to help authorities identify periods and locations where heat, rainfall changes and related health threats require closer surveillance.
Warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can increase conditions that support mosquito-borne diseases, according to WMO and WHO. The agencies identified malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika among the diseases requiring attention. Cholera and malnutrition also rank among the most serious concerns in drought and flood settings. More than 150 million people already face acute food insecurity worldwide, adding pressure in areas exposed to climate-related disruptions in food production and livelihoods.
Heat, disease and food risks converge
Southern Africa, South America and Australia will enter their hottest seasonal periods as El Niño reaches its late-2026 peak. WMO said that overlap raises concerns about drought, wildfires, smoke and worsening air pollution. Heat exposure can aggravate cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic and mental health conditions. Wildfire smoke and poor air quality also increase respiratory risks, while prolonged heat can reduce recovery time for people living in poorly ventilated homes and dense urban areas.
WMO is working with partners to improve climate services for health and strengthen links between meteorological and public health authorities. The effort aims to deliver forecasts in formats that support timely decisions by health agencies and emergency planners. WHO’s latest assessment also emphasizes stronger disease surveillance and rapid response as El Niño changes temperature and rainfall patterns. Both organizations have placed early warning, preparedness and coordinated climate-health information at the center of their response to the intensifying 2026 El Niño.