The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said this imminent El Niño demands exceptional preparation and response.
This follows confirmation that there is a high likelihood of the El Niño persisting into February 2027, in the tropical Pacific.
Sea surface temperatures in this region are already well above average and are continuing to rise. Sub-surface ocean temperatures are also exceptionally high – in some areas more than eight degrees Celsius above normal during July and early August.
The WMO said if this trajectory continues, it may be stronger than anything since monitoring began.
In Africa, the African Union (AU) called for a collective response. Preparedness for El Niño was discussed extensively at the Africa Early Warnings Forum, in Addis Ababa, last week.
Countries and their regions are rolling out plans.
Peru declared a state of emergency across 40 percent of the country for flooding and landslides, while the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Asia, is advising decision-makers across the continent of associated risks.
India convened a high-level inter-ministerial review of El Niño preparedness, involving agriculture, health, water, power and economic agencies, while Singapore is strengthening protection against extreme heat through both worker-safety rules and a national heatwave response plan.
Latin America and the Caribbean, are rolling out preparedness plans in countries traditionally hard hit by El Niño.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, said “I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: El Niño does not have to be a recipe for disaster. We have the forecasts and foresight to save lives and protect livelihoods.
Today we are issuing a call to action. The science is clear. We have the knowledge and tools to prevent El Niño- related hazards becoming a crisis. Let us join together and ensure that we leave nobody behind.”
Picture: Supplied