The World Meteorological Organisation has issued a warning that an 80% chance of El Niño from June to August could cause flight delays, train disruptions, and extreme weather worldwide.

The $30 million toe in the water

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) forecasts an 80% chance of the climate phenomenon occurring from June to August, with a 90% likelihood of it persisting until at least November.

Above-average temperatures are expected across nearly all regions, and there is a possibility that 2026 could become the hottest year on record.

El Niño's two-track response

El Niño's effects vary, but it typically brings increased rainfall to parts of southern South America, the southern United States, the Horn of Africa, and central Asia.

Conversely, drier conditions are anticipated in Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, Australia, Indonesia, and parts of southern Asia.

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that El Niño will exacerbate global warming, leading to more severe and far-reaching impacts that cross borders quickly.

Travel plans may face significant hurdles due to El Niño.

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

The ongoing jet fuel situation, exacerbated by the Iran war, has already caused airlines to hike prices and cancel flights.

Now, El Niño could compound these issues.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The previous El Niño event from 2023 to 2024 brought record-breaking temperatures, and this year may see similar heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stressed the need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño that will worsen drought and heavy rainfall,increasing heatwave risks on land and at sea.

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

Aviation expert Captain Emma Henderson noted that heavy thunderstorms could cause flight delays, though cancellations are less likely.

Strong winds and violent downpours are the main culprits for disruptions, but she emphasized that most flight issues arise from weather on the ground rather than in the air.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

Travelers to popular destinations like the Mediterranean should be cautious about extreme heat, while areas in South America, the US, Africa, and central Asia may face flooding.

Meanwhile, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, and parts of Asia could experience extreme heat and drought.

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Train travel is expected to be more severely affected by El Niño.

Network Rail advises that hot summers can be as challenging as freezing winters for railways .

What auditors flagged in the May filing

High temperatures cause overhead power lines to expand and sag,forcing trains to slow down to prevent damage.

Additionally, rails can buckle under extreme heat if there is no room for expansion, forcing line closures for repairs.

Drought conditions can crack the ground beneath tracks, requiring slower speeds for safety.

Signal systems may also fail due to excessive heat inside cabinets, exceeding 70 degrees Celsius.