Countries urged to prepare as El Niño threatens extreme weather

Chrislyne Faith Castillo

Countries are being urged to strengthen preparations as El Niño is expected to strengthen into a very strong event, raising the risks of extreme heat, drought and floods across different parts of the world, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said September 3.

The UN weather agency said there is nearly 100-percent likelihood that El Niño will continue through February 2027, with the phenomenon expected to peak toward the end of 2026.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the event could severely affect communities and economies, particularly those dependent on agriculture, water, energy and other climate-sensitive sectors.

“This exceptional El Nino… has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world,” Saulo said.

Philippines braces for prolonged El Niño

The Philippines is also preparing for the strengthening phenomenon, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reporting that a moderate to strong El Niño is currently present in the tropical Pacific.

The agency has warned that prolonged El Niño conditions could bring reduced water availability, extended dry spells and a higher likelihood of drought in the Philippines if the phenomenon persists into 2027.

Although El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon and is not caused by climate change, the WMO said its effects are unfolding against a warming global climate driven by human-caused greenhouse-gas emissions.

The WMO said disaster-management authorities and climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, health, energy and water are among those expected to face potential impacts from the strengthening event.