GENEVA: The United Nations’ weather agency has warned that a strengthening El Niño system in the coming months could significantly raise global temperatures and intensify extreme weather events, with impacts potentially lasting into 2027.

The World Meteorological Organization said the climate pattern is expected to amplify heat conditions across multiple regions, increasing risks of heatwaves, droughts and related health emergencies.

Authorities in Europe have already reported severe consequences from recent heatwaves. In France, Belgium and the Netherlands, more than 3,700 deaths have been recorded during two recent periods of extreme heat.

France accounted for 2,025 deaths, followed by 1,200 in Belgium and 480 in the Netherlands, according to preliminary official figures. Health officials warned that the death toll could rise as further assessments continue.

Spain has also reported hundreds of fatalities linked to prolonged high temperatures, underscoring the growing human toll of extreme heat across the continent.

Climate scientists say El Niño events typically disrupt global weather systems, raising temperatures in some regions while increasing flooding and rainfall in others. The latest warning adds to concerns that climate variability combined with long-term warming trends could intensify future heat-related risks worldwide.

More than 2,000 die during weeklong heatwave in France

Earlier, more than 2,000 people died in France during a week of extreme heat, the country’s health minister said, as Western Europe continues to grapple with the effects of an intense heatwave.

According to the minister, 2,025 deaths have been recorded in France during the period of extreme temperatures, with the toll expected to rise as authorities continue to assess the impact.

The minister said the highest mortality rate was recorded among people older than 12, without providing further details.

The announcement comes as several European countries report increased deaths linked to the recent heatwave.