WMO Reports Possible La Niña Return, Global Temperatures Expected Above Average

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated a potential return of the La Niña climate phenomenon starting September 2025, with a 55% chance of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific cooling to La Niña levels between September and November, increasing to about 60% from October to December. La Niña typically brings cooler ocean waters, which can strengthen the Indian monsoon and bring colder winters, while its counterpart El Niño usually weakens the monsoon and warms winters. Despite La Niña's cooling influence, global temperatures are still forecast to remain above average due to ongoing human-induced climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather and altering rainfall and temperature patterns worldwide. Neutral ENSO conditions have prevailed since March 2025 but are expected to gradually shift toward La Niña in the coming months, with little chance of El Niño developing during this period. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that seasonal forecasts for El Niño and La Niña are crucial climate intelligence tools that aid in economic savings and life preservation by guiding preparedness in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and transport. Overall, while La Niña may temporarily influence weather patterns, the broader context of climate change continues to drive above-average global temperatures.