El Niño to Peak in December, Bringing Above-Average Temperatures and Increased Drought Risk

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that El Niño is set to reach its peak in December. Ushering in a period of above-average temperatures across the globe. This intensifying climate pattern is likely to have far-reaching consequences for global weather, leading to an increased risk of droughts and floods.

According to the WMO, El Niño is firmly established and strengthening rapidly. The organization forecasts a near-100 per cent likelihood that it will persist through February 2027. Potentially being one of the strongest on record since at least 1950.

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El Niño has a significant impact on global rainfall patterns, often leading to droughts in regions such as India. The climate pattern also causes temperatures to rise significantly above average, as seen in the Nino 3.4 region. There, temperatures were 2.5 degrees Celsius above normal in August.

The arid summer has left major rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, and Thames, dry and severely impacted local ecosystems. This is a result of the normal rainfall patterns shifting under the influence of the intensifying El Niño conditions. As stated by the UN body.

Many states in India, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, have declared drought, with Maharashtra imposing a 10 per cent water cut in many districts. The 2026 monsoon was the fourth driest since 2001. And El Niño had a significant impact on the country's rainfall during the second half of the season.

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm Pacific waters, which disrupts global weather patterns. This can have severe consequences for regional weather, leading to extreme heatwaves and droughts.

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The ENSO, or El Niño Southern Oscillation, is a naturally occurring ocean-atmospheric phenomenon recurring once between two to seven years. It has three phases: warm (El Niño), neutral and cool (La Niña). El Niño is declared when the sea temperatures recorded along the equatorial and central Pacific Ocean exceed 0.5 degrees Celsius from normal.

The prolonged period of El Niño is expected to have a lasting impact on global weather patterns. With severe consequences for regional weather, food security, and water availability. As the climate continues to evolve, it is essential to monitor and prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño and other climate patterns.