The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that the El Niño could reach record levels in December, raising fears of heavy rains and floods in Kenya and several other nations.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In its latest weather update on Thursday, October 8, the weather agency said El Niño was strengthening and would continue to grow before peaking in December 2026.

"El Niño will continue to intensify ahead of its forecast peak in December. It is likely to bring above-average temperatures to much of the globe and shift rainfall patterns,” WMO said.

The Meteorological organisation said the projected weather pattern could become one of the strongest El Niñ o recorded since 1950.

📌 What You Need to Know

WMO also said there was a near 100 per cent chance that El Niño would continue until February 2027, meaning its effects could be felt in different parts of the world for several months.

“El Niño is firmly established and strengthening rapidly. WMO forecasts indicate a near-100 per cent likelihood that it will persist through February 2027, potentially being one of the strongest since at least 1950,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

According to the agency, the weather pattern is expected to change rainfall patterns, with some areas facing heavier rains and floods while others could experience drought.

WMO further noted that the weather phenomenon is also expected to push temperatures above normal in many parts of the world .

The warning comes as Kenya continues to prepare for the expected effects of El Niño rains, with the Ministry of Interior recently activating a national response under the National Contingency Plan.

The government has begun preparing evacuation procedures and mapping access routes while security agencies coordinate efforts to respond to emergencies caused by heavy rains and floods.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke