UN warns El Nino will intensify before peaking in December

Forecast for global temperatures

The World Meteorological Organisation said sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are forecast to increase to record levels during October-November-December. This naturally occurring phenomenon is expected to bring above-average temperatures to much of the globe while shifting rainfall patterns worldwide.

Risks of drought and floods

The agency stated that these changing weather patterns will increase the risk of drought in some regions and floods in others. These impacts will compound the existing effects of man-made climate change across different communities.

Typical duration of event

El Nino typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts around nine to 12 months before conditions shift back toward neutral or La Nina. The current forecast is based on consensus across thirteen leading national and international meteorological organizations.