GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / RankWire.AI / – Global health agencies are urging stronger preparations as El Niño intensifies and raises climate-related health risks. The World Meteorological Organization expects the event to reach very strong levels before the end of 2026. Extreme heat, drought, flooding, wildfire smoke and poor air quality rank among the main concerns. Changing rainfall patterns may also increase pressure on food supplies, water systems and public health services in vulnerable areas.
Climate forecasts show an almost certain chance that El Niño will continue through February 2027. Unusually warm waters across the tropical Pacific are supporting the current event. The strongest conditions are expected near the end of 2026. El Niño can alter rainfall and temperature patterns across large parts of the world. Those shifts can bring drought to some regions while increasing flood risks elsewhere. Heat exposure can also rise during already warm seasonal periods.
Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of WMO, has called for closer coordination between weather services and health authorities. She highlighted the need to use climate information in public health planning and early warning systems. Cities face particular exposure because roads and buildings absorb and retain heat. Older adults, children and outdoor workers face elevated risks during prolonged hot periods. People with existing health conditions can also suffer greater effects when high temperatures persist.
Health systems face wider climate pressures
The World Health Organization issued a global public health assessment on El Niño in September. The document supports preparedness, surveillance and early action by national and regional health authorities. It examines threats linked to heat, water security, infectious disease and nutrition. Health systems can use seasonal climate forecasts to identify periods of greater risk. The assessment also stresses the value of monitoring vulnerable communities as temperature and rainfall patterns change.
Warmer weather and shifting rainfall can create favorable conditions for several mosquito-borne diseases. Health agencies are monitoring malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika among the key risks. Flooding and water disruption can also increase concerns about cholera in exposed communities. Drought can damage crops, reduce water supplies and worsen food insecurity. More than 150 million people already face acute food insecurity, increasing pressure in areas affected by climate shocks.
Extreme heat adds to disease and food risks
Southern Africa, South America and Australia will enter their warmer seasonal periods as El Niño approaches its late-2026 peak. That timing increases attention on heat, drought, wildfires and air quality. High temperatures can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and metabolic conditions. Heat can also affect mental health and reduce nighttime recovery in poorly ventilated homes. Smoke from wildfires adds another respiratory hazard, especially for people with asthma and other lung conditions.
Climate and health agencies are expanding efforts to connect weather forecasts with public health decisions. WMO is working with partners to improve climate services for health authorities and emergency planners. WHO continues to emphasize disease surveillance, preparedness and rapid response as El Niño develops. Both organizations have identified early warning systems as a core tool for reducing health risks. Their guidance focuses on using confirmed climate information to support timely action across affected regions.