The United Nations has warned that unprecedented heatwaves could be observed on planet Earth in the coming months. The organization attributed this to the intensifying El Niño climate phenomenon.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at his residence in New York, stated that the world is already experiencing a summer marked by extreme weather events. He noted that record heatwaves, large-scale forest fires in Spain and France, as well as unprecedented rises in the surface temperature of the World Ocean, indicate that the climate crisis is intensifying.
According to forecasts by the World Meteorological Organization, El Niño will reach its peak activity in August–October 2026. The surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean has already risen to record levels, and in the coming months, temperatures are expected to be above the climatic norm on almost all continents.
It is noted that El Niño will affect not only the increase in temperature but also changes in the precipitation regime. This can lead to increased droughts, floods, and forest fires in various regions of the world.
"The conclusion is clear - the climate crisis is accelerating," said António Guterres.
According to him, extreme heat puts significant pressure on human health, energy systems, transport infrastructure, and the healthcare sector. The elderly, children, and other vulnerable segments of the population are particularly affected.
The UN chief called on governments to strengthen early warning systems, ensure safe working conditions, adapt cities to extreme heat, and gradually phase out fossil fuels, which are the main cause of climate change.
Celeste Saulo, head of the World Meteorological Organization, noted that El Niño is one of the most closely observed climatic phenomena. However, forecasts alone are not enough; states must assess potential risks in advance and take practical measures.
According to forecasts, temperatures will be above normal in August–October across most of Africa, Southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, most of South America, and New Zealand. It is also predicted that the amount of precipitation will increase in some regions of Central Asia, and the risk of drought will increase in a number of other regions.
