# WMO Warns of Unprecedented Climate Extremes Driven by El Niño Global temperatures hit record highs as El Niño threatens food and water security. - **Source:** [The South African](https://www.thesouthafrican.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [climate](https://brifing.si/c/climate) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/20d25eb5-385b-4e2e-ab9c-25c69e816a3c ## Record Global Temperatures The World Meteorological Organization reported that global average surface temperatures reached 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels between January and September 2026. This trend follows twelve consecutive years of record-breaking heat. Officials state that the current climate conditions are effectively off the charts, signaling a prolonged period of exceptional warming across the planet. ## El Niño Intensification A strengthening El Niño event, characterized by warmer-than-normal sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, has been developing since August 2026. Experts expect this natural climate pattern to reach record strength by December. This phenomenon is projected to drive extreme weather patterns and intensify global heat well into the year 2027. ## Ocean Heat Absorption Oceans play a critical role in the climate system, absorbing approximately 90% of excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases. Consequently, global sea levels reached their highest point in the satellite record during 2026. Continued ocean warming remains a primary driver of the shifting global climate and rising sea levels observed worldwide. ## Southern Africa Outlook Seasonal forecasts from international partners, including the South African Weather Service, indicate warmer-than-normal conditions for southern Africa through January 2027. These shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature pose significant risks to regional water resources and agriculture. Local communities already vulnerable to extreme weather face heightened threats from these persistent climate anomalies. ## Food and Water Risks The combination of extreme heat, droughts, and heavy rainfall threatens global food production and water supplies. Communities that rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture are particularly susceptible to these disruptions. The WMO warns that these environmental pressures could exacerbate existing shortages and increase health risks for millions of people globally. ## Human Cost of Extremes Hundreds of millions of people have already experienced extreme heatwaves, tropical cyclones, and heavy rainfall throughout 2026. These events have direct consequences for human lives and livelihoods. The agency emphasizes that the current data only covers events up to September, suggesting that the full impact of the strengthening El Niño remains ahead. ## Data and Reporting The WMO’s State of the Climate Update 2026, released on November 9, provides the latest scientific assessment of the global environment. While this update highlights critical trends, the final comprehensive report for 2026 is scheduled for publication in March 2027. This final document will incorporate data from the full calendar year. ## Future Climate Implications The ongoing climate crisis necessitates urgent attention to the compounding effects of El Niño and long-term warming. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, the ability to manage water and food security will be tested. Future climate resilience depends on understanding these complex interactions between ocean temperatures and atmospheric shifts through 2027. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/weather/wmo-warns-of-off-the-charts-climate-extremes-as-el-nino-strengthens/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._