NewsUK NewsEl NinoForecasters say the El Nino weather phenomenon will almost certainly persist until at least February, with the UK facing extreme conditions this winter12:55, 04 Sep 2026El Nino is causing our warmer weather - but what is it?Weather experts have today issued an update on El Nino, which is set to bring extreme conditions across the world - including to the UK.‌‘El Nino’ describes the warming of sea surface temperatures that occurs every few years, and is declared when temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific rise 0.5C above the long-term average.‌This process generally leads to an increase in global temperatures during summer months, while increasing the likelihood of wetter and stormier conditions in the UK across autumn and winter.‌The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) today said El Nino has now become “firmly established”. Moreover, its latest forecasts now indicate a near-100% likelihood that El Nino will persist through to February next year."Forecasts indicate further strengthening of El Nino in the coming months, with the event forecast to reach very strong intensity before peaking towards the end of the year,” the WMO said.‌The WMO added that this will likely lead to “significant shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns in many parts of the world”. However, it noted that: “The strength of an El Niño event does not translate directly into the magnitude of impacts.”The last major El Nino contributed to 2024 being the hottest year on record globally. It also led to severe droughts, heavy floods, widespread marine heatwaves and coral bleaching.‌WMO secretary-General Celeste Saulo has warned that this time around, it has “the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world”.“This exceptional El Nino demands exceptional preparation and response,” he said.“Never before in the 50-year history of the World Meteorological Organization have we launched such a major mobilisation with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services who are on the frontline of delivering the forecasts and services to save lives and livelihoods.”Article continues belowThe Met Office says it expects this El Nino to “increase the chances of wetter, stormier conditions for NW Europe, including the UK, in the coming autumn and early winter”.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌World Meteorological Organization (WMO)Met OfficeHeatwaveWeatherEl Nino