The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the El Niño weather system is forecast to rapidly intensify between July and September, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events globally. Ocean temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are expected to deviate by more than 2°C, signaling a significant and consistent warming trend that could exacerbate heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall in various regions. WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo stated, "El Niño conditions are already under way and are forecast to strengthen rapidly into a strong event."