The World Meteorological Organization warned on July 31, 2026, that El Niño will intensify beginning in August 2026, with much of the world already recording above-normal temperatures and widespread rainfall disruptions.
The WMO, the UN's meteorological body, described the approaching El Niño as strong, according to United Nations News. El Niño is a climate pattern that drives weather conditions across the globe.
Major rainfall changes are being observed alongside the elevated temperatures, the agency said. The WMO issued its warning as both phenomena were already affecting large parts of the world.