The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Thursday that El Niño is expected to strengthen further and peak in December, with a near-100% likelihood of persisting through February 2027.

Sea-surface temperatures in the key Niño 3.4 monitoring region are forecast to average about 3.7 degrees Celsius above normal from October to December, potentially the highest on record. WMO said the event could raise temperatures across much of the world and shift rainfall patterns, increasing drought and flood risks in different regions.