disaster
World: 2026 El Niño Health Risks: Six Extreme Weather Threats Facing the Americas
By Direct Relief at ReliefWeb
· June 25, 2026
· 5 min read
. By Olivia Lewis The Atlantic may be seeing a weaker hurricane season than in previous years, but the Americas are bracing for a different kind of threat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, issued an El Niño advisory on June 11, with forecasters predicting a 63% chance of
Key takeaway While El Niño conditions will likely translate to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, it also acts as a chief indicator of long-lived and potentially severe thunderstorms, as well as the possibility for extreme drought in some areas.
Why this matters
The anticipated Super El Niño event poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations in the Americas, particularly in regions prone to flooding and coastal erosion. The potential for severe flooding, extreme heat, and waterborne diseases underscores the need for proactive measures by humanitarian organizations and governments. Direct Relief's data highlights the regions most at risk, including California, the U.S. South, and Southeastern South America, where heightened temperatures and heavy rainstorms could lead to devastating consequences. The impact on healthcare systems in these regions could be substantial, with potential spikes in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. As Dr. Ronaldo Similox's experience in Guatemala illustrates, NGOs and health providers are already working to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, but the scale of the impending El Niño event demands a coordinated and robust response to protect the most vulnerable populations. Faith-based organizations and charities may play a critical role in supporting these efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . By Olivia Lewis The Atlantic may be seeing a weaker hurricane season than in previous years, but the Americas are bracing for a different kind of threat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, issued an El Niño advisory on June 11, with forecasters predicting a 63% chance of
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Direct Relief at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .