Antalya:El Nino could exacerbate heat-related illnesses, disease outbreaks, and air pollution through 2027, as warned by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo during a COP31 news briefing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Saulo indicated that above-average temperatures might trigger health threats beyond direct exposure to extreme heat. She emphasized potential outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and malaria, influenced by varying regional rainfall patterns. Saulo further noted that hot and dry seasons could lead to wildfires, worsening air quality.

Saulo mentioned collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance communication about weather-related health risks. The WMO's State of the Climate Update 2026 predicts El Nino will become the strongest on record by December, continuing into early 2027. The report highlighted global temperatures averaging 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels from January to September, with El Nino expected to amplify global temperatures in the following year.

The report also warned of climate extremes threatening health and food security, with extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall potentially worsening food insecurity and altering infectious disease risks. Preliminary estimates indicated over 30,000 excess deaths in Europe due to heat waves, drought, and wildfires. Preparations in South America include establishing emergency shelters for potential flooding and using weather forecasts to guide agricultural decisions.

Progress in expanding early warning systems was noted, with the number of countries reporting multi-hazard systems increasing from 56 in 2015 to 136 in 2025, According to WMO.