Source: United Nations (video statements)
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed on 3 July 2026 that El Niño conditions had developed. Combined with long-term climate change, El Niño is expected to increase the likelihood of higher temperatures and more frequent and intense heat events in many regions over the coming months.
Cities are particularly vulnerable, with the urban heat island effect amplifying health risks, straining infrastructure and energy systems, reducing productivity, and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations.
As countries accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Early Warnings for All initiative, there is an urgent opportunity to strengthen collaboration between meteorological services, housing, transportation, energy stakeholders, city leaders, disaster risk managers and technology partners to better prevent, mitigate, anticipate, prepare for and respond to extreme heat.
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