New Delhi, July 3 -- The United Nations' weather agency on Friday upgraded its forecast for a fast-emerging, powerful El Niño in the near future, cautioning that the climate pattern will likely push global temperatures even higher.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), El Niño is characterised by a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Usually lasting from nine to 12 months, the phenomenon is notorious for driving up planetary heat and elevating the threat of severe weather anomalies.

The intensity of El Niño is important because it increases the likelihood of extreme weather and climate events in different parts of the world, explained Alvaro Silva,...