Very strong El Nino to run through February as Asia impacts build

Climate ChangeWMO forecasts temperatures far above normal for much of the regionPedestrians hold parasols to cope with a heat wave in Tokyo on July 15: Forecasters are predicting the El Nino weather phenomenon will intensify, pushing up temperatures in much of Asia. © ReutersCHRIS RUSSELLSeptember 3, 2026 15:00 JSTTOKYO -- The current El Nino climate phenomenon is almost 100% likely to persist through February 2027, bringing drought and elevated temperatures to much of Asia, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said with an unprecedented level of confidence on Thursday in its latest update.