Baghdad: The El Ni±o phenomenon is expected to intensify in the coming months, according to the latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which indicated the possibility of its continuation through the fall and winter of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, El Ni±o is characterized by unusually high temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean, which can affect atmospheric circulation and weather patterns in various regions of the world. The report states that a strengthening El Ni±o may be associated with an increased likelihood of severe heat waves or droughts in some areas, while others may experience heavy rainfall and flooding. However, the impact will vary from country to country.

The Weather Forecasting Department at the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring, affiliated with the Ministry of Transport, clarified: “This does not mean that Iraq will automatically experience extreme heat, drought, or heavy rainfall due to El Ni±o alone. If El Ni±o affects Iraq, its impact will be indirect, through its influence on air currents and weather systems that govern the region’s weather.”

The forecasting section also states: “Understanding the weather patterns in Iraq over the coming months requires monitoring several climatic and atmospheric factors simultaneously, not just El Ni±o. These include the Indian Ocean oscillation, the movement of weather systems over the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula, and other meteorological indicators.”

In conclusion, while the intensification of El Ni±o is a significant global climatic development, it is not a definitive weather forecast for Iraq. Determining whether Iraq will experience a wetter, drier, or hotter winter than usual requires monitoring other meteorological and climatic indicators in the coming period.