In May 2026, Europe experienced a rapid climate transition from cooler-than-average conditions to an unusually early & intense heatwave. France, UK, Ireland, Portugal saw their highest May temperatures on record, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service’s latest bulletin: http://bit.ly/4ek0T1L
2️⃣ Tropical cyclones draw their energy from warm ocean waters. Predicting whether a storm will strengthen, weaken, or rapidly intensify depends on ocean observations.
3️⃣ Defining the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles is done by measuring the atmosphere as well as ocean temperatures.
4️⃣ The oceans store heat trapped by greenhouse gases and absorb some of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities. But this excess carbon causes oceans to become more acidic, damaging marine life and impacting the people that rely on it.
An El Niño is emerging. What do you know about it?
El Niño is a powerful natural climate pattern that warms ocean waters in the central and eastern Equatorial Pacific. It typically occurs every 2-7 years, but no two El Niños are exactly alike.
More ➡️ bit.ly/4e1hvLt
For June–August 2026, WMO forecasts indicate significant shifts in rainfall patterns—a classic atmospheric response to the developing Pacific El Niño.
See which regions are likely to experience below-normal, normal or above-normal rainfall: https://bit.ly/4uhbDDR
5️⃣ Safe and efficient marine activities depend on ocean conditions. Forecasting and #EarlyWarnings help ensure the safety of shipping industries, fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities that all rely on weather and marine hazard information.
All life on Earth depends on the climate system. By observing its signals, we better understand our changing world, improve forecasts, and safeguard our planet.
#NowForClimate: 24/7 global observations must be reliable, consistent, and accessible. #WorldEnvironmentDay
The WMO community will be carefully monitoring El Niño conditions in the coming months. Advance seasonal forecasts and #EarlyWarnings are vital to save lives and cushion the impact on our economies and our communities.
WMO El Niño/La Niña Update 🔗bit.ly/4e1hvLt
To understand our weather and climate, we need to know more about the oceans. To understand the oceans, we need a strong Global Ocean Observing System.
WMO supports countries by coordinating efforts to produce accurate, timely weather, water & climate forecasts & #EarlyWarnings.
#worldoceansday
The oceans are vital to weather forecasting and climate prediction. Here are 5 reasons why:
1️⃣ Your 7-day weather forecast depends on ocean observations. Observations provide data on sea surface temperature, ocean heat content, as well as waves and sea ice.
