World Meteorological Organization: El Nino to Emerge as Early as May to July, Expected to be Strong
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that the El Nino phenomenon will return as early as May to July this year, with initial signs indicating it will be strong. This increases the risk of global extreme weather and record heat.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 20:55
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(Central News Agency, Geneva, 24th, comprehensive foreign dispatch) The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) under the United Nations released its latest monthly forecast today, predicting that the El Nino phenomenon will return in the middle of this year. The earliest timing is very likely between May and July, and initial signs indicate that this occurrence will be strong. The previous El Nino phenomenon pushed global temperatures to historical highs.
According to an AFP report, the WMO noted in its Global Seasonal Climate Update that climate conditions in the equatorial Pacific have undergone a significant shift, and sea surface temperatures are rising rapidly, 'indicating that El Nino is very likely to reappear as early as May to July.'
El Nino is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that raises sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the equatorial Pacific, bringing changes in wind direction, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall patterns. The previous El Nino caused 2023 and 2024 to become the second hottest and the hottest years on record, respectively.
El Nino usually occurs every 2 to 7 years and lasts about 9 to 12 months each time. Global climate conditions oscillate between El Nino and La Nina, with a neutral state in between.
Wilfran Moufouma Okia, head of climate prediction at the WMO, pointed out that after a period of neutral state earlier this year, there is high confidence in predictions that an El Nino will begin, and models show this occurrence may be strong. However, forecasts are usually more accurate after April.
The WMO's forecast also indicates that global surface temperatures will generally be higher than normal levels over the next three months.
The WMO further noted that although there is no evidence showing that climate change increases the frequency or intensity of El Nino, climate change can amplify the impacts brought by El Nino. Because the oceans and atmosphere are becoming warmer, there is more energy and moisture to fuel extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy rainfall. (Compiled by: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150424
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According to an AFP report, the WMO noted in its Global Seasonal Climate Update that climate conditions in the equatorial Pacific have undergone a significant shift, and sea surface temperatures are rising rapidly, 'indicating that El Nino is very likely to reappear as early as May to July.'
El Nino is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that raises sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the equatorial Pacific, bringing changes in wind direction, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall patterns. The previous El Nino caused 2023 and 2024 to become the second hottest and the hottest years on record, respectively.
El Nino usually occurs every 2 to 7 years and lasts about 9 to 12 months each time. Global climate conditions oscillate between El Nino and La Nina, with a neutral state in between.
Wilfran Moufouma Okia, head of climate prediction at the WMO, pointed out that after a period of neutral state earlier this year, there is high confidence in predictions that an El Nino will begin, and models show this occurrence may be strong. However, forecasts are usually more accurate after April.
The WMO's forecast also indicates that global surface temperatures will generally be higher than normal levels over the next three months.
The WMO further noted that although there is no evidence showing that climate change increases the frequency or intensity of El Nino, climate change can amplify the impacts brought by El Nino. Because the oceans and atmosphere are becoming warmer, there is more energy and moisture to fuel extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy rainfall. (Compiled by: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150424
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is the power to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.