El Nino could push temperatures higher, UN warns

The UN weather agency on Tuesday issued an update predicting an 80% likelihood of an El Nino event between June and August of this year.

El Nino is a periodic warming of sea temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which typically lasts between nine and 12 months, according to the WMO .

The weather pattern can lead to increased temperatures worldwide , increasing rainfall to some parts of the world and prompting droughts in others, while also spurring hurricane formation in the central and eastern Pacific.

The WMO said that as well as the 80% chance of El Nino beteween June and August, there was a probability "near or above 90%" of it continuing until at least November if it began.

"Although some uncertainty remains about El Nino peak strength and timing, most forecast models will suggest it will be at least moderate — and possibly strong," the WMO said.

The WMO's most senior official said it would be prudent to prepare for the most serious scenario.

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"We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Nino ​event — which will ‌exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.