The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an agency of the UN, has issued a warning about the imminent return of the 'El Niño' climate phenomenon. According to forecasts, there is an 80% to 90% probability that the phenomenon will remain active in the coming months, with the potential to reach moderate or strong intensity.

This scenario is a cause for global concern, as a significant 'El Niño' episode increases the risk of more intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events in various regions worldwide. For the province of Cádiz, accustomed to hot summers, climate models suggest that the period between June and August 2026 could see above-average temperatures, affecting the entire Iberian Peninsula.

'El Niño' is a phase of the Southern Oscillation (ENSO) characterized by an anomalous warming of the surface waters of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Although it is a natural phenomenon occurring every two to seven years, its effects propagate globally, altering rainfall patterns, causing droughts, floods, and temperature changes. The waters of the tropical Pacific currently show temperatures up to six degrees above normal, fueling the phenomenon's development.

Experts agree that the impact of 'El Niño' almost universally translates into an increase in global temperatures. In Cádiz, this could mean a higher frequency of extreme heat episodes, more persistent tropical nights, and additional pressure on water resources, in a context already marked by drought concerns. Meteorologists warn that the thermal effect is usually felt more strongly in the second year of the phenomenon's development.

The UN emphasizes that while global warming does not cause more 'El Niño' events, it can exacerbate their consequences. Increased energy in oceans and the atmosphere favors more intense climate extremes. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as a "genuine climate alert" and urged for strengthened prevention and response systems.

The WMO considers early warning systems and proactive planning to be crucial. Sectors such as agriculture, water management, public health, and civil protection are already analyzing potential repercussions. In Cádiz, where intense heat directly impacts the population and economy, closely monitoring meteorological developments is essential. The arrival of 'El Niño' increases the likelihood of a scorching summer in 2026.