Geneva, April 24 -- The World Meteorological Organization on Friday said that El Nino weather conditions are likely to develop from as early as May 2026, potentially affecting global temperatures and rainfall patterns.

El Nino is a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which typically lasts from nine to 12 months, according to the WMO.

"After a period of neutral conditions at the start of the year, climate models are now strongly aligned, and there is high confidence in the onset of El Nino, followed by further intensification in the months that follow," said Wilfran Moufouma Okia, Chief of Climate Prediction at WMO.

El Nino and La Nina are opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscilla...