disaster
World: El Niño is forecast to intensify, increasing likelihood of extreme weather
By World Meteorological Organization at ReliefWeb
· July 3, 2026
· 4 min read
. El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO); one of the most powerful drivers of year-to-year climate variability. It is a naturally occurring climate patterns characterized by above-average sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacif
Key takeaway It is a naturally occurring climate patterns characterized by above-average sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Why this matters
The forecasted intensification of El Niño raises concerns for Christian charities and faith-based organizations involved in disaster relief efforts globally. As a powerful driver of climate variability, El Niño can lead to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, which can have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities. The predicted above-average temperatures across most land areas between 60°S and 60°N will likely exacerbate existing humanitarian crises, particularly in regions with limited resources and infrastructure. Faith-based organizations, many of which are ECFA-accredited and trackable through public IRS Form 990 data, will need to be prepared to respond to increased demands for aid and support. The varied effects of El Niño events across different regions will require targeted and nuanced responses from charities and relief organizations, highlighting the importance of accurate forecasting and planning in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.
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 .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO); one of the most powerful drivers of year-to-year climate variability. It is a naturally occurring climate patterns characterized by above-average sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacif
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by World Meteorological Organization 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 .