GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – As El Niño intensifies and approaches very strong levels, global health organizations are calling for enhanced preparedness to tackle increasing climate-related health challenges. The World Meteorological Organization predicts the event will reach peak strength before the end of 2026. Key concerns include extreme heat, drought, flooding, wildfire smoke, and deteriorating air quality. Variations in rainfall are also expected to place additional stress on food supplies, water infrastructure, and public health systems in vulnerable regions.
Forecasts indicate a near certainty that El Niño will persist into February 2027. The current phenomenon is supported by abnormally warm waters across the tropical Pacific, with the most intense conditions anticipated toward the end of 2026. These shifts in climate patterns can significantly alter rainfall and temperature distributions worldwide, leading to drought in some areas and heightened flood risks in others. Additionally, heat exposure is likely to increase during seasonal periods already characterized by high temperatures.
Celeste Saulo, the secretary-general of WMO, emphasizes the importance of strengthened collaboration between meteorological services and health authorities. She underscores the necessity of integrating climate data into public health strategies and early warning systems. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable since infrastructure and roads tend to absorb and hold heat. During extended hot spells, vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers face increased health risks. Those with pre-existing health issues may experience more severe impacts from sustained high temperatures.
Climate-driven stresses on global health systems intensify
The World Health Organization published a comprehensive public health assessment on El Niño in September. This report advocates for proactive measures, including preparedness, surveillance, and early intervention by national and regional health agencies. It evaluates threats related to heatwaves, water security, infectious diseases, and nutrition. Seasonal climate forecasts can help health systems identify periods of elevated risk, while monitoring vulnerable populations becomes increasingly vital as temperature and rainfall patterns evolve.
Rising temperatures and changing rainfall regimes can foster environments conducive to mosquito-borne illnesses. The main health concerns include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. Flooding and disruptions in water supplies also heighten cholera risks among exposed communities. Drought conditions threaten crop production, diminish water availability, and exacerbate food insecurity. Over 150 million people are already experiencing acute food insecurity, further burdening regions affected by climate shocks.
Extreme heat amplifies health, disease, and food security issues
As El Niño nears its late-2026 peak, southern Africa, South America, and Australia will enter their warmer seasonal periods. This timing raises concerns over heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and air quality deterioration. Elevated temperatures can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, and metabolic conditions. Additionally, high heat levels can impact mental health and impede nighttime recovery, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Smoke from wildfires presents an added respiratory risk, particularly for individuals with asthma and other lung diseases.
Climate and health agencies are intensifying efforts to link weather forecasts with public health decision-making. WMO is collaborating with partners to enhance climate services tailored for health authorities and emergency response teams. Meanwhile, WHO continues to prioritize disease surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response efforts as El Niño develops. Both organizations recognize early warning systems as essential tools for minimizing health risks, emphasizing the importance of using accurate climate data to guide timely interventions in affected regions.