WMO Warns El Niño to Reach Highest 'Very Strong' Level, Persist Into 2027

The WMO warned on September 3, 2026, that El Niño will intensify to "very strong" — its highest classification — and persist into early 2027. The agency projects near-100 percent likelihood the event continues through February, peaking late 2026. WMO chief Celeste Saulo called it "off the charts" relative to four decades of monitoring. Above-normal temperatures are forecast across nearly all land areas through November.