UN warns of 'supersized' El Niño as countries prepare for impact
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Warm-up
- What extreme weather has your country had in recent years?
- How can early warnings help people prepare for disasters?
- Which industries are most affected by bad weather in your area?
Vocabulary
- phenomenon
- Something that happens in nature and can be observed or measured.
- mobilisation
- The organised action of bringing people and resources together for a task.
- drought
- A long period with much less rain than usual.
- wildfire
- A large, uncontrolled fire that spreads in natural areas.
- forecast
- A prediction about future conditions, made using data.
- displacement
- The forced movement of people from their homes.
- heatwave
- A long period of unusually high temperatures.
- revenue
- Money a government or organisation earns, usually in a year.
Reading
The UN warned the world has entered a danger zone of extreme weather as El Niño intensifies. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says this natural phenomenon could be the strongest in more than 70 years and last until at least February 2027. It shifts weather patterns, bringing drought to some areas while others face stronger typhoons and flooding.
The WMO has launched a major mobilisation to spread forecasts widely and reduce deaths, displacement and environmental damage. Sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are well over 2C above average, and monthly values could approach 4C. In places, waters below the surface are more than 8C above normal.
Australia fears more marine damage after recent heatwaves and coral bleaching. Forecasts suggest the Great Barrier Reef may be spared the worst, but southern Australia is likely to face stronger marine heatwaves this summer.
Drier-than-usual conditions are expected across South East Asia, Central America and northern South America, raising the risk of drought and wildfires. The Panama Canal will cut ship transits by more than 10% in anticipation of lower rainfall, affecting a route used by about 14,000 vessels a year and bringing in about $3bn in revenue.
Comprehension
- What does the WMO say about the strength and timing of this El Niño?
- What steps has the WMO taken to reduce risks from extreme weather?
- What do forecasts suggest for the Great Barrier Reef and southern Australia?
- Which regions are expected to become drier in the coming months?
- How is the Panama Canal responding, and why is this significant for Panama?
Grammar focus
Past perfect continuous
Use had been + verb-ing to show an action that was happening before a past point and continued up to it. It often uses short time phrases (by then; earlier). (Examples constructed.)
- Coastal communities **had been preparing** for stronger storms.
- Scientists **had been monitoring** sea temperatures for months.
Grammar exercise
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
- By then, some regions (experience) ___ heavier rainfall than usual.
- Before the forecast, farmers (watch) ___ soil moisture levels.
- Up to that point, reefs (suffer) ___ from repeated bleaching.
- By then, shipping (face) ___ delays on the route.
- Earlier that month, volunteers (organise) ___ local relief efforts.
Discussion
- Should governments prioritise early warnings or rebuilding after disasters?
- What warnings would be most useful in your community this year?
- Should trade routes change when weather risks rise? Why or why not?
- How can tourism adapt when nature sites face repeated heatwaves?
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