The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the developing El Niño phenomenon could worsen heat-related illnesses, infectious disease outbreaks and air pollution in several parts of the world through 2027.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo issued the warning on Monday during a news briefing at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya. She said rising global temperatures could create health emergencies beyond the immediate dangers of extreme heat.
Saulo identified malaria and dengue as some of the diseases that could spread under changing weather conditions. She explained that the risks would depend partly on rainfall patterns in affected regions.
According to her, prolonged hot and dry conditions could also increase the likelihood of wildfires, exposing communities to dangerous levels of air pollution.
The WMO is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help people understand how changing weather patterns can affect public health.
Saulo said the partnership aims to translate weather forecasts and climate information into clear warnings about possible health consequences.
El Niño raises concerns over global temperatures
The WMO’s State of the Climate Update 2026 projects that El Niño could become the strongest on record by December and continue into early 2027.
The report estimated that global temperatures between January and September 2026 averaged about 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
It also explained that El Niño often has its strongest influence on global temperatures during the year after it develops.
Saulo described the climate phenomenon as a factor that could intensify existing weather threats.
She warned that heatwaves, tropical cyclones and heavy rainstorms were becoming more intense than historical climate records had prepared communities to handle.
The warning highlights growing concerns about the combined effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Climate extremes threaten health and food security
The WMO report also warned that extreme heat, drought and heavy rainfall could deepen food insecurity and change the spread of infectious diseases.
It specifically identified cholera, malaria and dengue among the diseases whose risks could be affected by changing climate conditions.
Preliminary estimates cited in the report indicated that heatwaves, drought and wildfires contributed to more than 30,000 excess deaths in Europe.
Saulo also highlighted preparations in South America to reduce the impact of possible flooding. These include plans to provide emergency shelters before severe weather hits vulnerable communities.
She said weather forecasts could also help farmers make better decisions and reduce agricultural losses during extreme conditions.
WMO highlights progress in early warning systems
Despite the growing risks, the WMO report noted progress in the availability of early warning systems around the world.
The number of countries reporting multi-hazard early warning systems increased from 56 in 2015 to 136 in 2025.
These systems help governments and communities prepare for different threats, including floods, storms, droughts and extreme heat.
The WMO says stronger weather communication and early preparations will remain important as El Niño and other climate pressures increase the risks to public health, livelihoods and food supplies.